Basketball is entering a transformative era, as it looks to expand to Europe and India. The aim is to unlock new market for the sport beyond its traditional stronghold, the USA. The sport is gaining momentum as leagues and federations take decisive steps to fuel growth, foster talent, and elevate the sport’s commercial and competitive stature.
NBA Eyes European Frontier
The richest and the most popular basketball league in the world, the National Basketball Association, with its roots in the USA has set its sights on Europe as the next major frontier for expansion. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum recently emphasized that the continent’s basketball business has lagged behind its immense potential, despite the sport’s booming popularity.
“There’s an opportunity to continue to accelerate the growth of basketball in Europe and to close the gap between the affinity for the game of basketball and the commercial viability of basketball in that market as well,” Tatum told news agency Reuters.
To address this, the NBA is exploring the creation of a 16-team league in partnership with International Basketball Federation or FIBA, aimed at establishing a new NBA Europe operation. The initiative seeks to create a commercially viable, elite-level competition that complements — rather than replaces — the existing Euroleague. Despite initial resistance from Euroleague organizers, NBA executives remain committed to collaboration and long-term development.
Reuters have reported that Tatum has highlighted the issue of the absence of permanent elite teams in major cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome, underscoring the need for investment in world-class basketball infrastructure. To overcome this challenge the stakeholders of the basketball are in continuous talks with the owners of football clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City. The owners of these two football clubs have deep pockets. Paris Saint-Germain are owned by Qatar Sports Investments which in turn is controlled by the Ministry of Finance of Qatar and the Qatar Olympic Committee. Manchester City, meanwhile, is owned by the City Football Group Limited, 81% of which is owned by Abu Dhabi United Group.
“The U.S. accounts for less than 5% of the world’s population, So by definition, our biggest opportunities for growth lie outside the United States — and Europe is at the top of that list.” Tatum told Reuters.
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India Launches National Star Basketball League
While the talks for a Europe-based league are underway, India has taken a historic step forward with the announcement of the National Star Basketball League by the Basketball Federation of India (BFI). Partnering with ACG Sports, the league was officially unveiled on April 4 marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s basketball journey.
The league is designed to enhance the level of Indian basketball. It promises to offer a structured, high-performance platform for domestic talent. With regular competition, professional training environments, and international exposure, the league promises to enhance the skill level of players and coaches alike.
“This league is more than a competition — it’s a vision,” said Shri Kulvinder Singh Gill, Secretary General of BFI. “We are laying the foundation for future Olympic success by building a professional ecosystem that will empower Indian athletes and elevate the sport across the country.”
The National Star Basketball League is expected to bring in international coaches, boost fan engagement, and open new pathways for scouting and player development. It also help BFI generate revenue. The money thus generated will be reinvested into grassroots programs and nationwide infrastructure improvements.
A Shared Global Vision
Basketball’s push into Europe and India comes with a common vision — to elevate the sport through strategic investments, innovation, and inclusivity. From the Olympic aspirations of Indian players to the global tours featuring European and African stars, basketball is no longer confined to American borders.
As Tatum has noted, “We want to continue to spur the growth of basketball in Europe, in Africa, in Asia, and Latin America — while continuing to evolve the game here in North America.”
With synchronized momentum on both continents, basketball is poised not just for expansion — but for transformation.
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet
