In a historic move that promises to reshape the landscape of global basketball, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has officially announced plans to expand its reach beyond North America by adding new teams in Europe and Asia. This groundbreaking decision, made public earlier today, marks the first time in the league’s history that teams will be based outside of the United States and Canada, and it is expected to dramatically enhance the global appeal of the sport.
The expansion, which will unfold over the next three years, will see the addition of two new franchises—one based in Europe and another in Asia—by the 2027 season. The NBA’s move is a direct response to the increasing global popularity of basketball and a strategic effort to tap into the rapidly growing sports markets in both regions. The new teams will join the NBA’s existing 30 franchises, bringing the total number of teams to 32.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement at a press conference this morning, emphasizing the league’s commitment to growing the game worldwide. “Basketball is a truly global sport, and we believe that the time is right to expand the NBA’s footprint in Europe and Asia. These new teams will not only deepen our connection with our international fans but will also bring new opportunities for our players, coaches, and partners to engage with basketball at a higher level,” Silver said.
The league has not yet revealed the cities that will host the new teams, but it is expected that major cities in Europe, such as Paris, Madrid, and London, are among the frontrunners for the European team. In Asia, cities like Tokyo, Beijing, and Manila are being considered due to their already established basketball cultures and large fan bases.
This expansion is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the NBA, including increased media rights deals, sponsorship opportunities, and merchandise sales in Europe and Asia. The move is also seen as a way to further develop the talent pipeline for the league, with scouts and coaches looking to strengthen their international presence by discovering emerging stars from these new regions.
The NBA’s global expansion also has potential long-term benefits for the sport itself. Many of the world’s top basketball prospects already train and compete in international leagues, and with NBA teams in Europe and Asia, these athletes will have the opportunity to play closer to home while still competing at the highest level. This move could lead to more international stars entering the league, enhancing its diversity and broadening its appeal to global audiences.
Silver noted that the league is also exploring options to host more regular-season games outside North America, furthering the NBA’s commitment to increasing its international presence. Over the past few years, the NBA has held several high-profile games in cities like Mexico City and London, and the addition of international teams could lead to the creation of a new regular-season schedule that includes more overseas matchups.
While the prospect of integrating teams from Europe and Asia into the NBA has sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders, there are logistical challenges to overcome, particularly around travel schedules and time zone differences. However, with the league already having established an international presence through the NBA Global Games and growing its digital platforms, officials are optimistic that the expansion will be a success.
As the NBA continues to break down geographical barriers, this move represents a bold new chapter in the league’s global evolution. The announcement of international teams is a historic moment for the NBA, bringing the sport closer to its worldwide fanbase and setting the stage for the next era of basketball. With the 2027 season in sight, the world will soon witness the exciting, high-energy spectacle of NBA basketball across two new continents.
