David Kahn, president and co-owner of Paris Basketball, believes that the American league is close to making its entry into European basketball. Discussions have already started with FIBA for the creation of a new major league in the world panorama.
It’s an old sea serpent, a fantasy that could soon become reality. Whispered for years on the Old Continent, the rumor of a lasting establishment of the NBA in Europe, via an independent league, would be much more founded than one might think.
Asked by The Parisian On Wednesday, David Kahn, president of Paris Basketball, delivered a little confidence which could ultimately resonate as a big bang for European basketball. “I think we should not talk about a simple rumor. The term ‘project’ is more appropriate,” said the American leader.
“Discussions have started with FIBA and the first announcements could be made soon,” confirms the boss of the surprising leader of the Euroleague.
“It will be gigantic”
Former manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Big League, also with the Indiana Pacers, David Kahn sees enormous development potential for basketball on the Old Continent. Hence the interest of the all-powerful NBA in creating its own league, like the creation in 2020 of the Basketball Africa League, a competition managed by the NBA in collaboration with the International Federation.
“If the NBA invests in Europe, it will be gigantic. But I don’t know more at this stage. With Adam (Silver, the boss of the NBA), we are friends, we are going to see each other in January (in margin of the matches between the Spurs and the Pacers at the Accor Arena), of course.”
Implemented for 2026-2027?
Asked about these rumors on the sidelines of the NBA Cup final, Adam Silver did not confirm anything as it stands. But recognized the commercial potential and the enthusiasm of fans for such an operation in Europe. “We are not ready to make public statements. We have not yet made any internal decisions, but I believe that there is a huge opportunity in Europe to take basketball to a new level,” explained the commissioner of the NBA to the media.
“I think the quality of basketball in Europe is just fantastic,” he continues. “Many of our best players come from Europe, of course, but we believe the continent offers commercial potential and fan enthusiasm that can help create something special.”
According to Reliefthis new league, which would revolutionize the panorama of world basketball, could see the light of day from 2026-2027, “at the time when the current license for Euroleague teams ends”. “The NBA has really started to explore the terrain. There could be some first announcements in January when it comes to Paris,” says a person close to the matter to the Spanish media.
