Basketball is growing globally, and a major shift could be coming to Europe. Discussions between the NBA and the EuroLeague are ongoing for a brand-new European competition. Patrick Dumont, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, commented on these talks from Macau on Sunday. He sees them as clear proof of basketball’s immense power worldwide.
“The NBA is looking at what it might do in Europe,” Dumont explained. “Why? Because the sport has a global appeal.” He shared these thoughts during a public event in Macau focused on the business side of sports.
The EuroLeague, widely recognized as the world’s second-best club competition after the NBA, recently confirmed a key meeting. This Friday announcement came two days after officials met with the NBA and the International Basketball Federation, FIBA.
Their stated goal was “to identify a collaborative structure that benefits all parties involved,” according to the EuroLeague. However, the league was firm. They laid down four “basic principles” for any discussion about creating an “NBA Europe” league.
EuroLeague’s Core Demands
- Protecting the identity of European basketball and its fans.
- Keeping competitive excellence high.
- Ensuring that decision-making power stays within Europe.
This cautious approach isn’t new. Just back in April, the EuroLeague had labeled the idea of a new competition as “a threat.” They warned it could harm the traditions of European basketball. Such a move, they suggested, might “lead to fragmentation and confusion” in the sport. Two weeks before that, the NBA announced its own plans. It said it would explore starting a professional league in Europe in partnership with FIBA.
Any big changes could shake up current European competitions. This includes the Champions League, where teams like Benfica are playing this season. It also impacts the Europe Cup, which features clubs such as Porto and Sporting.
Dumont believes there’s “worldwide excitement” around basketball today. He pointed out that the internet allows fans to follow “their favorite teams, even if they aren’t nearby.”
“When I was young, basketball was inherently local. We talked about the Knicks, but nobody watched a game live.”
Patrick Dumont
Owner of the Dallas Mavericks
Dumont, who grew up in New York, stressed the role of social media. He said it does more than just let people watch games. It helps fans “create communities built on their love for the sport.”
“Sports can do a lot to bring people together,” Dumont remarked. He was seated alongside former English international footballer David Beckham. Joe Tsai Chung-Hsin, owner of another NBA team, the Brooklyn Nets, was also present.
The Nets were scheduled to play the Phoenix Suns that day. This marked their second game in three days. These preseason matchups at the Venetian Arena, owned by Las Vegas Sands, were significant. They brought the NBA back to China after a six-year break.
During the event, Patrick Dumont also challenged Joe Tsai. He urged Tsai to host WNBA games at the Venetian Arena too. These would feature teams from the American women’s basketball league.
Just Friday, the Las Vegas Aces celebrated a big win. Led by A’ja Wilson, who scored 31 points, they defeated the Phoenix Mercury 97-86. This victory secured their third WNBA title in four years.