This article is a part of a
two-part article about BBN’s chance to interview with NBA Senior
Vice President, Head of International Strategy Leah
MacNab.

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As the NBA continues its global
push, discussions around permanent international franchises and
increased overseas games have gained traction. With record-breaking
global viewership and rising international interest, the question
remains: could we see an NBA team outside North America in the
future?

NBA Senior Vice President Leah
MacNab acknowledges that while expansion is a topic of discussion,
logistical challenges make it a complex endeavor. “Right now, we’re
in the very early stages at the league office of evaluating the
potential of expansion and what that process could look like,”
MacNab said in an interview. “There are many cities and ownership
groups – both inside and outside the U.S. – who have expressed
interest in an expansion franchise.”

The challenges of an international
expansion

Establishing a permanent NBA
franchise outside the U.S. and Canada would require overcoming
significant hurdles, according to MacNab and these
includes:

• Travel and
  Scheduling:The density of
  the NBA’s 82-game season makes long-distance travel to and from
  Europe or other regions a logistical challenge.
• Market
  Viability:While demand
  for NBA games is high in many cities, sustaining a full-time
  franchise with the necessary infrastructure and fan engagement
  remains a key factor.
• Competitive
  Balance:Expansion would
  require careful consideration to ensure a balanced league
  structure, maintaining parity between new and existing
  teams.

The role of international leagues

Rather than immediate expansion,
the NBA has taken an alternative approach by fostering
international leagues. The Basketball Africa League (BAL), launched
in collaboration with FIBA, is a prime example of how the NBA is
strengthening basketball ecosystems outside North
America.

“Having a professional
basketball league in Africa supported by the NBA and FIBA expands
and strengthens the basketball ecosystem, drives socioeconomic
development, and inspires more African youth to play the game,”
MacNab emphasized.

Will there be more games abroad?

While a full-time international
NBA franchise may still be years away, the league is actively
looking to increase its global presence through more international
games and events. “We continue to study the prospect of being more
involved on the ground here on a year-round basis,” MacNab
revealed, referring to ongoing discussions with stakeholders about
expanding the league’s footprint beyond temporary international
games.

While expansion remains in the
early stages, the NBA’s commitment to international growth is
evident. With increasing fan engagement, rising talent pools, and
strong global demand, the possibility of more games abroad—and
potentially international teams—is a future worth watching. For
now, the league will continue to explore opportunities to bring the
NBA experience to fans worldwide, ensuring that the game continues
to thrive on a global scale.