NBA Announces Major Expansion Plans, Targets New International Markets

February 20, 2025
In a historic move, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has officially announced plans to expand its operations globally, targeting new international markets and adding new teams to its roster. The announcement, made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today, marks a significant shift in the league’s ambitions to become a more global entity.
The NBA’s expansion strategy is centered around two key goals: increasing the league’s presence in emerging markets and growing the league’s overall viewership. Commissioner Silver outlined the league’s intention to add at least two new franchises, one in Europe and another in Asia, by the 2028 season. This expansion will allow the NBA to tap into new fan bases and further cement its status as a global powerhouse in sports.
“The NBA has always prided itself on being a global league, and with the growth of basketball worldwide, now is the time to take the next step,” Silver said. “We’re excited about the opportunity to bring the game to new markets, where passionate fans are eager to see the highest level of basketball played right in their own backyard.”
The European market, with countries such as Spain, France, and Greece showing an increasing interest in basketball, is seen as a prime target for the league’s expansion. Meanwhile, China and India, two of the most populous countries in the world with rapidly growing sports industries, are high on the NBA’s list for potential expansion in Asia.
To support the expansion, the NBA will also invest in grassroots programs in these regions to nurture local talent and grow the game from the ground up. This initiative mirrors the success of the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, which has already helped to discover international players who have gone on to make significant impacts in the league.
Alongside these international expansion efforts, the NBA is also expected to enhance its broadcasting capabilities, with an emphasis on digital and streaming platforms. With an increasing number of fans consuming sports content through mobile devices, the league aims to reach fans where they are, regardless of geographical boundaries.
As the NBA moves toward this exciting new chapter, the league is confident that its expansion efforts will not only bring more fans to the sport but also foster the next generation of basketball talent on a global scale. With new teams, new markets, and a renewed commitment to international growth, the NBA is positioning itself for an even more prominent role in the global sports landscape.