In an exclusive interview with CNBC, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum revealed plans for a new European league that will feature 12 teams located in major cities such as Rome, London, and Paris, with bids due by the end of June. The league aims to attract 'great operators' who will invest in new basketball arenas, as Tatum noted that Europe currently has very few world-class facilities.
He emphasized the potential for basketball in Europe, which has around 300 million fans but captures less than 1% of the commercial market share. The NBA is exploring ways to integrate these European teams with its North American counterparts, including preseason games and a midseason tournament.
Tatum also highlighted the NBA's Basketball Africa League, which has the potential to significantly boost economic growth in Africa, projecting its contribution to GDP could rise from $250 million to $5.4 billion by 2034.
This expansion into Europe and Africa represents a strategic move to capitalize on the growing global interest in basketball, making it an attractive opportunity for investors looking to enter these emerging markets