Can the NBA finally bridge the Atlantic? Appearing on CNBC before the Mavericks‑Rockets doubleheader in Macau, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he’s confident a merger with the EuroLeague will materialize (video link).
Last week reports said EuroLeague owners rejected the NBA’s first merger offer, yet insiders expect talks to resume. The NBA, already working with FIBA on a European league, may table a fresh proposal or face a counter‑offer from the EuroLeague.
“It’s a negotiation, and it’s ongoing,” Silver told CNBC’s Contessa Brewer, who claimed talks hit a “rough patch” recently. “Calling it a rough patch is extreme. We’ve been going back and forth with the EuroLeague… We’re hopeful we’ll reach a deal. I think we will.”
When Brewer asked whether the league will push ahead with NBA Europe regardless of the EuroLeague, Silver answered, “Yes, but we’ll get something worked out.”
The commissioner also touched on several hot topics during two interviews with Brewer on Friday and Sunday. Below are the key takeaways:
On prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket and their effect on the NBA:
“Whether you call it a prediction market or sports betting, the core concerns are the same—integrity first. We also want data access to spot irregularities, be it insider tips or other anomalies, so we can regulate effectively.”
“Control matters, especially when markets trade on events like a coach’s firing, which we’d rather not see wagered. Protecting our intellectual property and competition integrity is essential.”
On working with Wilson to develop a “smart ball” with a tracker embedded inside it:
(Video link) In my view, the smart ball could reshape officiating.
“We’re experimenting with a tiny chip that adds about a gram. To put it in perspective, a ball weighs roughly 620 grams (≈1.4 lb). That’s just 1/620th of the weight, yet players—who’ve handled countless balls—couldn’t notice any difference in G League or Summer League tests, which is a good sign.”
“There are several uses. Officiating could benefit; a shift in spin might reveal a finger touch on an out‑of‑bounds play, or a change in arc could signal goaltending.”
“Later, consumers could profit. Great shooters impart spin and arc; the chip would let you chart 500 shots, see which angles succeed, and help you improve your game.”
“We could see it used for officiating as early as next season. Consumer tools are a few years out, but the potential is exciting.”
“We haven’t reached a deal with the Players Association on game usage yet. The union worries data could affect negotiations, like spotting a player slowing down, so we need clear rules, though everyone wants the insights.”
“Players already wear trackers 22 hours a day; the only gap is during games, which doesn’t make sense. We’ll find a solution with them.” What will the league’s tech roadmap look like in 2025?