New York Knicks’ OG Anunoby says the launch of a new custom European league within the NBA is the next level for basketball in the United Kingdom.
Set to launch in October 2027 under the temporary name of NBA Europe, the league would comprise 12 to 16 teams based in Europe, with London and Manchester set to be included in the mix.
Final bids for ownership of teams have now been made in June, and with hope that team owners will start being announced this year, the NBA received bids in the range of $500m (£372m) to $1bn (£745m) from interested parties in every single host city.
Anunoby Endorses NBA Europe
OG Anunoby is currently the best-known player of UK origin in the NBA, after he led the Knicks in winning their first championship since 1973.
OG Anunoby is joined by Jeremy Sochan of the Portland Trail Blazers, Amari Williams of the Boston Celtics and Tobi Lawal, who will be making his NBA debut this year for the Dallas Mavericks, as part of the quartet of players of UK origins in the NBA.
“I think it is amazing,” Anunoby told BBC Sport when asked about the NBA Europe plans.
The NBA’s Growing UK Pipeline
“Basketball continues to grow, especially here in London and in Manchester.
“It’s exciting and I think it is going to take basketball to another level out here.”
“Planning is going really well. We’ve had an amazing amount of demand in the last couple of months for NBA Europe, particularly as bidding closed,” said Laura Pinnell, vice-president of Consumer Group and head of marketing for the NBA across Europe and the Middle East.
“I would say the UK is one of the biggest opportunities for us out of the whole project.
“The growth opportunity is incredible and actually a London franchise, there is discussion about a Manchester franchise. All of which are great opportunities for fans and also, youth and participation.”
