The NBA and FIBA are talking about starting a new basketball league in Europe. This development follows a significant decline in the NBA’s viewership this season. The league is trying to find ways to fix this.
Many former stars have discussed the drop in ratings, but it’s not an immediate fix. So, the league is now planning to expand the league beyond America, focusing on Europe.
To solve the low rating, the league is already considering working with Amazon to adjust the In-Season Tournament schedule and adding a team in Mexico City. And now the idea of a European Basketball League surfaced just hours ago.
Then, FIBA’s secretary general, Andreas Zagklis, confirmed talks are happening in a recent press meeting. He said, “There is clear interest and there are ongoing discussions with FIBA.”
NBA reportedly plans a league in Europe so Ataman might know…🚨👀
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) November 13, 2024
The NBA “is very close to the final decision to form a separate league on the Old Continent without intermediaries from the Euroleague and FIBA, in direct communication with the biggest clubs” per the report. pic.twitter.com/pGxLRIh6mM
“It is something that has been on our radar. We tried to bring everyone together. This was not possible. So our job is to continue having serious conversations with our partners at the NBA,” he added.
He also mentioned that the goal is to grow the sport in Europe while preserving the integrity of the existing basketball ecosystem, including national teams and leagues.
Fans have their say on NBA’s new discussion
After the news came out, basketball fans around the world started reacting. While the details are still unknown, many fans shared their thoughts on social media. Some were skeptical, while others found it funny. In short, the reactions were very mixed.
@19_loading noted, “People seem to think this means NBA teams playing international games and I’m fairly certain that’s not what this would be.”
People seem to think this means NBA teams playing international games and I’m fairly certain that’s not what this would be
— Ryan (@19_loading) December 9, 2024
@FreeAgen_ commented, “All this world champions controversy is finally gonna be over with. Thank you Adam silver.”
@TheG0ATPlays shared, “Reduce the number of games here and adjust the calendar to allow NBA teams to go to Europe and to host the top European teams… that would be awesome!”
Reduce the number of games here and adjust the calendar to allow NBA teams to go to Europe and to host the top European teams… that would be awesome!
— The GOAT 🐐 (@TheG0ATPlays) December 10, 2024
@EbagNews_ wrote, “If this happens Basketball becomes the biggest sport in the world.”
If this happens Basketball becomes the biggest sport in the world
— Gabe Stepp (@EbagNews_) December 10, 2024
On the flip side, @JerichoXVI shared, “I thought the NBA was a professional league the best in the world. We not only can compete with the Euroleague the NBAs worst team would finish in first place.”
I thought the NBA was a professional league the best in the world. We not only can compete with the Euroleague the NBAs worst team would finish in first place.
— Jericho (@JerichoXVI) December 9, 2024
@TheHurricaneBen said, “We need less games not more games.”
@TheMidRangeNews also shared their thoughts, making an interesting point.
If it means to have teams from the NBA compete with teams from other leagues, I’m very invested.
— Mid Range News (@TheMidRangeNews) December 10, 2024
If it means it’s a new league to try kill all other European leagues, NBAs product is likely to die very fast. Let me explain.
The European fan is too attached to his team to change… https://t.co/mn8LWhZiSr
