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NBA and FIBA Collaborate on New European League
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is poised to enhance its presence in Europe through a prospective partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). This collaboration aims to establish a new league, a concept that has been under consideration for several years.
While detailed information about the league remains scarce, plans suggest the initial formation could comprise 16 teams. The announcement, made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, marks a significant progression in this long-standing initiative.
According to Silver, the league is likely to follow FIBA regulations, potentially adopting a 40-minute game duration, which differs from the NBA’s traditional 48-minute format. Many logistical elements, including team compositions and locations, will be determined in the coming months.
“We believe now is the moment to advance to this next stage,” Silver commented, highlighting the enthusiastic backing from NBA owners for such an expansion.
Discussions regarding either the establishment of an annual European competition or a league operated by the NBA have been ongoing. This topic was notably addressed at a recent Board of Governors meeting in September, attended by Zagklis.
“In light of the tremendous success of the recent World Cup and Olympics, we are convinced that now is an opportune time for the evolution of club basketball,” Zagklis stated.
During a visit to France in January, Silver emphasized the NBA’s commitment to extending its influence in Europe, noting that the league’s governors would receive further updates during the March meeting.
“The feedback from the market has been overwhelmingly positive,” Silver remarked.
Zagklis echoed this sentiment, confirming FIBA’s leadership consensus on the partnership with the NBA as a timely move. “Our mission as a federation is to unify the basketball ecosystem,” he affirmed.
The implications of this new league on the established framework of European basketball remain uncertain, particularly given the multitude of successful and popular leagues that already exist across the continent.
Source
www.theguardian.com