Anunoby backs NBA Europe
The planned launch of a new NBA-backed European competition could provide a major boost to basketball in the United Kingdom.
New York Knicks star OG Anunoby, one of the most prominent British players in the NBA, believes the project could have a significant impact on the sport’s growth.
“I think it is amazing. Basketball continues to grow, especially here in London and in Manchester. It’s exciting and I think it’s going to take basketball to another level out here,” Anunoby told BBC Sport.
London and Manchester in contention
NBA Europe is currently scheduled to launch in October 2027, alongside the start of the 2027-28 NBA season, with plans for a 16-team European league.
London and Manchester are both expected to be among the potential host cities. The deadline for franchise bids passed in June, with the NBA hoping to begin announcing the identities of the participating teams later this year.
Reports indicate that bids ranging from $500 million to $1 billion have been submitted for some of the targeted markets.
“The UK is one of the biggest opportunities”
Laura Pinnell, the NBA’s vice president and head of Consumer Group for Europe and the Middle East, said preparations for the project remain on track.
“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,” Pinnell said.
She also described the UK as one of the biggest opportunities in the entire project, highlighting the potential of franchises in London and Manchester to engage fans and further increase youth participation in basketball.
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