NBA Eyes Global Expansion, Domestic Growth Uncertain

Commissioner Adam Silver discusses potential new markets and the league's media future.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:41am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an NBA basketball game broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape, reflecting the league's evolving expansion strategy.The NBA's expansion plans aim to reshape the league's geographic and commercial landscape in the years ahead.Denver Today

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the league's expansion plans, noting that while domestic growth in cities like Las Vegas and Seattle remains a possibility, the league is also exploring international opportunities, particularly in Europe. Silver acknowledged the challenges of integrating European teams with existing salary structures and business models, but said the league views these as independent ventures. The commissioner also discussed the league's evolving media landscape, with streaming services like Amazon and Peacock joining traditional partners ESPN and NBC.

Why it matters

The NBA's expansion plans could significantly impact the league's competitive balance and revenue streams in the coming years. Decisions around new domestic and international markets will shape the future of professional basketball. Additionally, the league's media rights deals and distribution models will affect how fans access and consume NBA content.

The details

Silver said the league has conducted a 'deeper dive' into the economic models around expansion, now that the new media rights deals are in place. He acknowledged the difficulty in pricing expansion franchises given the recent jumps in team valuations. While domestic expansion remains on the table, Silver emphasized that the league's efforts in Europe are independent and not a higher priority. Integrating European teams would require addressing issues around existing salary structures and business models.

  • Silver addressed the league's expansion plans at his annual press conference following a Board of Governors meeting last week.

The players

Adam Silver

The commissioner of the National Basketball Association, who has overseen the league's growth and evolution since 2014.

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What they’re saying

“'The fact is (there's) no new news to report today on domestic expansion, but it's something we continue to look at. We did discuss it at the board meeting. I think that we've spent a fair amount of time on the economic models around expansion. We've gotten into more of, I'd say, a deeper dive than when I last addressed the media on it. Certainly now that we know what our media contracts are. That helps in doing the math, at least over the next decade.'”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

“'Adding teams to an existing league where you have, from a national standpoint at least, a fixed pie of revenue, is very different than looking at an opportunity in Europe where it's a clean slate. While there is an existing operation there, it's sort of a greenfield in terms of what the opportunity might be.'”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

“'But to the extent anyone has taken from me a suggestion that Europe is more a priority than potential expansion in the U.S., it's not the case. I view it as two independent work streams here.'”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

What’s next

The NBA will continue to explore both domestic and international expansion opportunities, with a focus on evaluating the economic models and potential impacts on the league's existing business. The commissioner's office will also monitor the evolving media landscape and work with its broadcast partners to ensure fans can access NBA content.

The takeaway

The NBA is carefully weighing its options for future growth, balancing domestic expansion with international opportunities. While the league remains committed to exploring new markets, the commissioner emphasized that these efforts are independent and not a higher priority than maintaining the league's competitive balance and ensuring fans can access NBA content.