During the annual Board of Governors press conference, Adam Silver addressed the emerging NBA Europe project. He confirmed ongoing progress in discussions with the EuroLeague, calling it a historic opportunity. Silver added that further announcements will follow in the coming weeks.
September 15th was the date set for the annual press conference that NBA governor Adam Silver holds after a yearly edition of Board of NBA Governors.
Among other topics, Adam Silver shortly mentioned the progress about the emerging NBA Europe project.
Silver confirms talks with EuroLeague
NBA governor also mentioned briefly that progress is made in the communication with EuroLeague, and that the discussions will follow soon:
"To the second part of your question, yes, we did discuss ongoing negotiations with the EuroLeague. As I said earlier, I believe we're making progress there," Silver said.
"We believe that the league would be strengthened by joining forces with the EuroLeague. It doesn't have to happen, but I think we would all be better off as a unified front in Europe."
"In terms of the potential investors, I'm not sure they're so impatient necessarily about next season."
Silver noted that there is no agreement as of now, but he suggests that a unified approach is in everyone's interest:
"It doesn't have to happen, but we will all be better off, as a unified front in Europe," Silver said.
New details about the launch of competiton
NBA governor also provided some details about the date of launch of the new competition:
"I think if it were up to some of them at least, we would wait longer to launch. At the same time, depending on where we stand with the EuroLeague, I do think it's important that we introduce competition into the market next summer," he said.
"The initial product that you'd likely see to your point a year from now will be different than when we ultimately have brought all the teams together and are formally operating the league."
"So I think the answer is we want to get going. As I alluded to earlier, there will be announcements coming, you know, over the next few months, and those conversations are proceeding in earnest."
New arenas mentioned in Europe
Silver is optimistic, and has plans for multiple new arenas in Europe, but is still cautious about the timing:
"And so for us, you know, ensuring that we're thinking about all the different structural issues that come with it, how you approach a salary system among your players, how we aggregate television rights, what should be done locally. There are plans for multiple new arenas across Europe."
"So again, I'm pleased with the progress we're making. I think our team owners were as well, but at the same time, it takes time. This will take, you know, some more time before, you know, we're ready to firm everything up," he concluded.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.