Adam Silver. Image via: George Walker IV/ Associated Press The NBA has always flirted with international expansion, but commissioner Adam Silver’s latest comments suggest the league may be closer than ever to reimagining its playoff structure. Speaking at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum, Silver said the possibility of European or even African teams competing in the NBA postseason is “very doable,” hinting at a radical shift that could reshape professional basketball’s global future.
Adam Silver outlines bold international playoff vision
Adam Silver didn’t just float the idea of exhibitions or one-off tournaments. He specifically pointed to the NBA Cup and the playoffs as formats that could include international teams. “You could imagine teams from Europe, potentially Africa, competing in that tournament. You possibly could see teams coming into our playoffs, top seeds from other leagues,” Silver said.The commissioner argued that logistics are no longer an obstacle. “When I think of the flight from New York to LA for example, there’s no reason if we had four teams in Europe, you couldn’t travel, play the Knicks or Nets, travel to London, play three, four times in Europe, come back home. So I think it’s very doable in our league.”His remarks come as reports indicate NBA Europe could launch as soon as 2027 or 2028, with London and Paris widely expected to land franchises. Silver acknowledged the arena situation across Europe is limited, noting Paris’ refurbished Bercy Arena and London’s O2 as workable options, but emphasized the need for new multi-use venues.
Will NBA–Europe expansion be a smooth process or a logistical nightmare for Adam Silver’s bold playoff vision?
Not everyone is convinced the transition will be seamless. Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban cautioned that execution will make or break the project. “It depends how they do it. Do they work with the Real Madrids and kind of become part of them and supportive? Or do we say we’re creating a whole new league and you’re either in or out and we’ll compete with what’s going on now with Euro League, Euro Cup, etc. That’s going to be tough,” Cuban said.Cuban stressed that unlike U.S. franchises, many European basketball teams are tied directly to soccer clubs. “Real Madrid soccer and Real Madrid basketball are part of the same club. It’s just a whole different beast and you know you’re gonna have to ask them to upgrade facilities and spend a lot of money or we spend a lot of money. So I understand the goal.”Also Read: “He’s earned that right” – Rob Pelinka sets first goal involving LeBron James after JJ Redick’s contract extension with Los Angeles LakersAlso, the logistical aspect of it is undeniably challenging. While challenges remain, the prospect of European clubs squaring off against NBA powerhouses in meaningful postseason series represents an unprecedented step toward a globalized game. With superstars like Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić already redefining the league, Silver’s push to expand beyond borders feels less like a dream and more like the NBA’s inevitable next chapter.