NBA considers expansion to Europe

The NBA came to Europe last October

US basketball's NBA league could expand into Europe "in the decade", according to commissioner David Stern.

The NBA is considering establishing new franchises in Europe rather than relocating current ones.

Europe's existing clubs would not be considered as Stern believes a cluster of new teams is required for the plan to be a success.

"We really are thinking more about expansion teams in Europe in the decade," said Stern.

The O2 Arena we played in London, it is an NBA-ready arena David Stern

Speaking at his annual "State of the Game" address, Stern added: "What we've always said was that if there were the appropriate arena structure, if there were the appropriate fan affinity, and there was the pricing structure that would be necessary for a team to compete in the NBA, then it would seem to be an opportunity for us to grow."

The NBA came to London in October when the Boston Celtics beat the Minnesota Timberwolves at the O2 Arena.

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And Stern cited London's O2 Arena as a blueprint of what should be followed in other cities if Europe is to be considered for multiple NBA teams.

"The O2 Arena we played in London, it is an NBA-ready arena," Stern said.