By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Adam Silver, NBA’s commissioner, knows that the future of basketball is in globalization. But what about Europe? In an interview with the Spanish media in which the Rac1 radio was also present, he answered to many questions concerning the league, international markets and European basketball.
Silver noted that “the percentage of international players participating in the NBA has been increased and it’s something very positive for the business.” And not only that. He added that “the perception of the league is already global.” Hence one of the actions that arises is that of creating an Intercontinental Cup. “We are working on it, there are several international markets with enough potential enough to enter, such as China, Europe and South America.”
Still, the NBA commissioner doubts the ability of European basketball to bring profits, so “there’s no rush in expanding there”.
Silver took advantage of his stay in Spain to make some criticism of the leaders of European basketball. “FIBA and Euroleague have to resolve their differences. I think there should be a shared vision to help basketball grow in Europe. It is hard to say so, but when you look back and remember the 1990s, it is very disappointing for the growth back then. We all had high hopes that growth would accelerate.”