NBA Europe: Manchester still considered, City and United unlikely to be involved

NBA Europe continues its search for agreements with clubs from major European markets with strong global recognition in football. Manchester is undoubtedly a key city for the new project backed by the league overseen by Adam Silver, who would welcome the presence of a franchise in Manchester with the support of either City or United.

According to Frank Dallers of City AM, Manchester could still become part of the NBA Europe project, albeit without the involvement of Manchester City or Manchester United.

Ben Pierson, chairman of Manchester’s current Super League Basketball team, told City AM: “The Sherwood group have been in discussions with JPMorgan and the NBA since the very beginning of the process. We have the financial resources to submit a bid independently, if it makes sense. But we have also been approached by several groups who understand that we are the operating company in the city. If you are a basketball team branded in blue, you lose half the city because Manchester United fans won’t attend your games.”

According to BBC Sport, neither Manchester City nor Manchester United have shown interest in joining the NBA Europe project.