NBA: London calling

League commissioner plots European expansion

Last updated: 13th October 2008

<b>NBA:</b> London calling

Michael Beasley of the Miami Heat dunks at the O2 Arena

It's fair to say that we'll see a minimum of one and possibly more regular-season games by 2012.

David Stern
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The NBA plan to play regular-season games in London within the next four years.

League commissioner David Stern, speaking after a pre-season exhibition between the Miami Heat and New Jersey Nets at the O2 Arena, confirmed the NBA's desire to bring meaningful fixtures to the British capital.

"Although we have no plans on the drawing board, it has been suggested to us that we should schedule in the next three years or so some regular-season games here - more than just one - on a regular basis," said Stern.

"It's fair to say that we'll see a minimum of one and possibly more regular-season games by 2012."

Stern views the 2012 Olympic Games in London as the ideal springboard to increase the NBA's popularity in Britain.

The NBA has a history of playing outside of North America, including a regular-season game in Tokyo 17 years ago, and - in targeting the British market - are following a trail blazed by ice hockey and American football.

The NHL held their season opener in London in 2007, while the NFL played a regular-season match at Wembley last year and have another one scheduled for October 26.