NBA Considers Regular Season Games in Europe
Stern Confident Stars Will Stay Home
David Stern and company announced on Thursday that the NBA is considering playing regular season games in Europe, not just pre-season contests as has been the case over the past few years.
London Likely Host
Stern addressed the issue during his annual preseason conference call, saying the British capital London - 2012 Summer Games host - would likely host the contests. "We decided Ok, with the lead-up to the Olympics, we'll pop a regular season game or two or more, I don't know exactly how many, over there by the 2012 Olympics."
NBA to Follow Other Major Sports in Going Abroad
The NBA would follow the foot-steps of other U.S. major sports leagues which have hosted regular season action outside the United States. This Sunday, October 26, the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers will face off in an NFL regular season game at London's Wembley Stadium, which in 2007 hosted a regular season contest between the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins. In MLB baseball, the 2008 season opening series between the reigning champion Boston Red Sox and Oakland A's was played in Tokyo, Japan. All of these events have been met with resounding fan support.
Stern Keeping Eye on European Clubs Attracting NBA Players
The commissioner also told the conference call that his people are keeping an eye on European clubs and their recent trend of luring NBA players to the Old Continent - none bigger than Josh Childress from the Atlanta Hawks to Greek team Olympiacos. Stern says he is confident that the elite stars will remain in the NBA.
Commissioner Questions Budgetary Issue
Shortly after Childress announced his deal - reportedly at 20 million dollars after taxes for three years - stars such as Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony mentioned they would play in Europe for 40 million dollars a year. But Stern questioned how the smaller crowds in Europe could support such outrageous salaries: "It's important that we study the global world of basketball. The economic model does not exist that would support such contracts. And we don't mind the competition. It's probably good for our players."
European Owners Hoarding Cash for Stars
Reports have been surfacing for weeks now around Europe that clubs in Greece and Italy are trying to hoard together enough money by the next NBA off-season to go after a player the likes of Kobe or Lebron. What happens remains to be seen.
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