By Stefan Acevski / info@eurohoops.net
NBA Europe is ready, and it appears that the first edition of this competition will start in 2027, with some teams from the UK expected to take part.
This was also discussed by OG Anunoby, who less than two months ago became an NBA champion with the New York Knicks.
He spoke to BBC Sport, where he said he believes the UK will benefit and that the arrival of NBA Europe will lift basketball to another level in this country.
“Basketball continues to grow, especially here in London and in Manchester. It’s exciting and I think it is going to take basketball to another level out here.“
Plans for the league’s launch in just over a year’s time remain “on track”, with the league set to start in tandem with the 2027-28 NBA season.
OG was joined in his view by Laura Pinnell, Vice-President and Head of Consumer Group for the NBA across Europe and the Middle East.
“Planning is going really well. We’ve had an amazing amount of demand in the last couple of months for NBA Europe, particularly as bidding closed. I would say the UK is one of the biggest opportunities for us out of the whole project.
The growth opportunity is incredible and actually a London franchise, there is discussion about a Manchester franchise. All of which are great opportunities for fans and also, youth and participation,” said Laura Pinnell.
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