The NBA is looking towards Europe for potential marketing growth and talent pipelines. Commissioner Adam Silver is interested in creating a new league in Europe, motivated by the influx of international players in the NBA. About a quarter of NBA players are foreign-born, with 58% of them coming from Europe. The league’s Most Valuable Player has been international for six years, highlighting the increasing talent from overseas.
European academies play a crucial role in developing basketball talent in Europe. These academies emphasize fundamentals and team play, structuring daily practices for individual skill development and team workouts. The success of European players like Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the NBA is attributed to the emphasis on skill development and basketball IQ in these academies.
The success of these academies, supported by different funding models such as public financing, corporate partnerships, or club revenues, has produced a significant number of pro players. Programs in countries like France and Germany have become talent hubs, helping players transition smoothly into professional basketball careers.
NBA players like Chris Paul acknowledge the differences between the European academy system and the AAU format in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of team development and skill-building. Silver’s interest in creating a new league in Europe aims to tap into this rich talent pool and foster collaboration between NBA and European basketball organizations for the benefit of player development and the growth of the sport.
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