In January, NBA commissioner Adam Silver told reporters in Paris that it was looking into the endeavor and would update its owners in March. While basketball is popular in Europe, "the commercial opportunity has not kept pace with the growth of the game," Silver said. He added that "the market is ready to do more in this sport."

The NBA reportedly believes up to $3 billion could be generated by basketball in European markets and the Middle East.

The NBA's ongoing exploration of expanding its role in European basketball will continue this week at the league's Board of Governors meeting in New York, as Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this year would be the case.