Anunoby: London untapped as NBA Europe eyes UK launch
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- OG Anunoby tipped in the go-ahead basket with 1.2 seconds left in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, capping a record 29-point comeback against the San Antonio Spurs and helping the New York Knicks win their third NBA title.
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed plans for NBA Europe are 'on schedule' to launch next year, with London and Manchester both targeted as potential franchise cities.
- The NBA and FIBA confirmed several franchise bids during the bidding process exceeded $1 billion — the most capital ever committed to European basketball.
- The UK government and the NBA jointly announced a £10 million investment last year to expand youth basketball opportunities, while the NBA has pledged more than $3 billion to support the league's launch and grassroots programs.
- GWI research shows the UK has more than 10 million basketball fans, 8 million of whom follow the NBA, while YouGov reports adult NBA fandom in the UK has risen 24% since 2022.
- NBA Managing Director George Aivazoglou said the UK's strong NBA fanbase hasn't translated into interest in European or British basketball, but London and Manchester franchises could change that by playing in European time zones.
- UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called the NBA's European expansion 'a massive opportunity' that could deliver billions in economic growth and create jobs.
Why it matters: London and Manchester are the frontrunners for NBA Europe's first franchises, backed by bids topping $1B and a $3B NBA launch commitment — a bet that the UK's 10 million basketball fans will pay for home-time-zone games instead of staying up for US broadcasts.
