NBA commissioner Adam Silver talked about having a division on a radio show. He said two things are making him think about it: top basketball players are coming from Europe, and new fast planes might be built.
He thinks it would be great if basketball had some NBA teams in Europe. He pointed to flying as the current big problem preventing the expansion.
The NBA has been playing games in Europe like in Paris, London and Berlin. They also want to start a league in Europe by 2027.
Adam Silver keeps talking about planes.
“I read about fast planes that will be available,” he said. “That could make flying faster.”
REPORT: Adam Silver says the NBA could adopt a “division of European teams” due to many of the league’s best players being from Europe, and due to “advancements in supersonic air travel”
(via @CartonShowWFAN, h/t @awfulannouncing) pic.twitter.com/b5sHloe7VY
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 17, 2026
He does not think a European NBA division will happen while he is commissioner. He thinks it might happen after he leaves. The NBA is now focusing on its European league. This league will work on its own, not as part of the league. He also did not rule out the possibility of the two leagues merging in the future.
Many top players in the NBA are from Europe, like Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, and Alperen Sengun. Silver thinks this is important when considering expanding the league to Europe.
The NBA will decide about adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas by the end of 2026. The idea of a division is a longer-term plan, but Adam Silver is now taking it seriously.