Stern: NBA Franchises Will Call Europe Home

Within the next decade, David Stern predicts that the NBA will include a European franchise or five. NBA.com has the full 411: “NBA Commissioner David Stern told a luncheon audience in Miami on Friday that he envisions a five-team European division within the league sometime in the next 10 years. It’s not a new notion, but Stern’s words nonetheless represented a strong stance that the NBA is more committed than ever to expansion and further globalizing the game. ‘It’s a wonderful topic, because 10 years ago, I said, ‘Oh, it’s inevitable, it’ll happen in 10 years,’ Stern said, speaking to business leaders. ‘And now what I’m saying is, ‘It’s inevitable, it’ll happen in 10 years.’ But in terms of globalization, we’re going to see a desire for franchises in Europe – and in about 10 years, you’ll send me a postcard.’ As for now, the Nets and Raptors will play two regular-season games in London in March.”