By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Mark Tatum spoke to international media as the NBA gears up for the upcoming All-Star Game. In response to Eurohoops’ question, he also provided some more details about the NBA’s plans in Europe.
As the NBA deputy commissioner explained, “Nothing is set in stone” at the moment regarding reports and rumors that Eastern Europe, namely basketball hotbeds in Greece, Turkey, and Serbia, is not part of the NBA plans, something that he denied.
“What I can say right now is that we had some great meetings in Paris with different stakeholders, we are continuing to explore the opportunities in Europe, and alongside FIBA we want to help the sport grow”, said Tatum elaborating even more: “We know there are passionate fans in markets like Greece, of course, Turkey, and Serbia and we are evaluating the opportunities. That’s why I think your statement that ‘Whatever we do doesn’t include Eastern Europe’ that’s not true.”
While Western Europe is obviously a priority since, in many cases, it’s also “virgin” territory in basketball terms, the NBA focuses on everything that can make its project succeed and help basketball take its place in the European sports market. “In Europe, clearly, basketball is the number two sport, but it doesn’t get its fair share of affinity,” explained Tatum.
This is also highlighted by the popularity of Victor Wembanyama. “Wembanyama is the no2 most viewed player today”, admitted Tatum, also mentioning Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and also the interest created globally by the recent Luka Doncic trade.
Two different European cities
Tatum admitted not only that the recent Paris games are a roaring success, but that the NBA is also in talks with cities like London, Manchester, and Berlin for next year, without excluding a return to Paris. “We will be returning to Europe and we looking into playing two games in two different cities”, he explained.
Meanwhile, he also added that the US vs World format in the All-Star Game is already there via the backdoor: “I thought it was interesting that six out of the players that Charles drafted were international”.
Last but not least the global footprint of the NBA expands, with a new deal between the league and Singapore and also with the new project of the NBA with the up-and-coming Japanese professional league. As Tatum said: “We announced a strategic collaboration with the Japanese B-League. Basketball has been growing tremendously in Japan and this is obvious from the Japanese interest in the NBA with players like Rui Hachimura and Yuki Kawamura”.