NBA Europe to take UK to 'another level', says New York Knicks' OG Anunoby

The planned launch of a bespoke European NBA league, codenamed NBA Europe, is set to take place in October 2027. This league will feature between 12 and 16 European teams, with London and Manchester expected to be included. The deadline for final bids to own franchises was in June, with the NBA receiving bids ranging from $500 million (£372 million) to $1 billion (£745 million) for each target host city. Anunoby, a two-time NBA champion and standout current player of UK origin in the NBA, played a key role in the Knicks' first NBA title win since 1973. Alongside Jeremy Sochan (Portland Trail Blazers), Amari Williams (Boston Celtics), and Tobi Lawal (Dallas Mavericks), Anunoby is part of the NBA's UK quartet. He expressed excitement about the NBA Europe plans, stating, 'Basketball continues to grow, especially here in London and Manchester. It's exciting and I think it is going to take basketball to another level out here.' Plans for the league's launch remain on track, with the league set to start in tandem with the 2027-28 NBA season. Laura Pinnell, vice-president of Consumer Group and head of marketing for the NBA across Europe and the Middle East, noted the incredible demand for NBA Europe, particularly in the UK, which she described as one of the biggest opportunities. Anunoby has also been involved in grassroots court development in Camden, London, and is focused on helping the Knicks win a second NBA title in the upcoming season. The NBA has seen eight different champions in recent years, with no team achieving back-to-back titles since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Anunoby emphasized that the Knicks' biggest rivals will come from across the league, as every team is considered a threat.