Stern delight as NBA comes to London
When North American sports leagues go in search of international exposure, it seems that all roads lead to London.
The British capital, which exports only a few athletes to the four traditional sports on the other side of the Atlantic, is hosting a preseason NBA game on Wednesday.
That's less than two weeks after the NHL opened its season in London with a two-game series, and about three weeks before the NFL comes to town for a regular-season game.
"This is a very prominent market. It's going to host the 2012 Olympics," NBA commissioner David Stern said on Tuesday. "The stars are aligned."
The NBA has been one of the biggest proponents of overseas activity, first sending teams to Europe in 1987. This year, the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies are playing in various cities in Spain, Turkey, Italy and Britain.
"This is a way of cementing our connection with the fans," Stern said. "These are markets that we care about."
The one market the three leagues seem to care most about is London, one of the biggest cities in Europe and a hub for airlines flying all over the world.
"There's one thing you can guarantee in Britain," London Mayor Ken Livingstone said, "every seat will be filled."
Wednesday's game at the 02 Arena between the Celtics and the Timberwolves is sold out. So, too, was the home-and-home series between the Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings, and the NFL game between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins at the rebuilt Wembley Stadium on October 28.
And besides just playing, the NBA is also getting out to see the people. On Wednesday, a group including Celtics star Kevin Garnett and former NBA greats Bill Russell and Rick Barry attended a dedication ceremony for a refurbished basketball court at a local primary school.
"The game is our passion, and it's our obligation to grow it," Stern said.
For Livingstone, getting these leagues to come to London is just part of the job description. "If you are a mayor of a great world city, your job is to go out and raise business," Livingstone said. "That's sporting events, cultural events."
And he's also ready for more.
"Just tell us when you want to come and we will build it," Livingstone said.
