According to The Times, the NBA is set to announce a multi-year deal to host regular-season games at Manchester's Co-op Live arena.
While the NBA has expressed its intent to expand in Europe, the report suggests that partnering with Manchester City could facilitate Middle Eastern oil state investments that face restrictions in the United States.
The NBA's ties with Abu Dhabi have been steadily growing, with preseason games and US national team exhibitions held there for the past three seasons.
While the NBA has yet to make an official announcement, Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum met with London Mayor Sadiq Khan last September.
โIt was great to meet with NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum today to discuss the possibility of bringing more NBA games and activities to London and how we can further expand the game in the capital,โ Khan said in a statement.
One possibility reportedly under consideration is aligning NBA Europe franchises with major football clubs, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain emerging as frontrunners due to their Middle Eastern ties.
โThrough grassroots programs for youth and coaches, weekly games that air in primetime on TNT Sports, the beautiful new NBA Store on Oxford Street and more, there has never been a better time to be an NBA fan in London,โ Mark Tatum said in a statement.
โWe look forward to working more closely with Mayor Khan and his administration to build on these efforts in the years to come.โ
If confirmed, the deal would make Manchester's Co-op Live arena, with its 23,500-seat capacity, Europe's largest basketball venue, with the partnership potentially starting as early as next season.
