NBA Eyes International Expansion: Possible New Teams in Three Global Cities
As globalization continues to evolve the landscape of professional sports, the NBA is potentially setting its sights abroad for its next expansion team.
Possible Cities in the Spotlight
While still speculative, three international cities have emerged as possible locations:
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Vancouver, Canada
- Manchester, England
Mexico City: A Region Hungry for Basketball
With a successful and enthusiastic response to previous NBA games held in Mexico City, the metropolis could serve as a lucrative and popular location for a new team.
Vancouver: A Second Chance for Canada
Despite the Vancouver Grizzlies’ relocation to Memphis in 2001, Canadian fans remain passionate about basketball. With the Toronto Raptors’ recent success, the NBA may see potential for a second team in the country.
Manchester: Bridging to European Audiences
Known for its fervor for soccer, Manchester might seem like an unlikely location for an NBA team. But given NBA’s commitment to growing basketball’s popularity in Europe and the city’s robust sports culture, it could be a perfect match.
Cautious Optimism for NBA Expansion
While fans worldwide may be excited by the prospect of an NBA team in their city, the league will likely be cautious. Factors such as economic stability, fan base potential, and logistical challenges will play key roles in deciding if and where to expand.
Next Steps for Consideration
This possible move is still in the early stages, with no official decisions made yet. The NBA commissioner and the Board of Governors will likely discuss it in upcoming meetings. Until then, basketball fans worldwide can only speculate on the NBA’s next big play.
Original article: https://www.si.com/nba/2023/11/14/nba-expansion-teams-cities-adam-silver-mexico-city
