Ahead of the 2023 NBA Finals matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum spoke on a conference call with different media outlets on Wednesday of the NBA's continuous plans to further promote the league internationally.
Because the NBA is a melting pot of international talent, Tatum said that the league remains committed to providing better viewing and in-game experiences for its fans.
“We are a global league. We are North American-based but we are a global league. The best basketball players in the world play in our league and there’s not too many leagues that can say that quite frankly,” Tatum shared.
With Nikola Jokic leading Denver to its first championship appearance in its 56 years of existence, Tatum acknowledged that international talents have been making a significant impact on the competition within the league.
“The fact that we have the best Serbian player, the best Canadian player, the best French player – it really speaks to the global nature of our league,” he added.
These international players also help the league reach more markets and expand popularity and profit.
Japanese players like Yuta Watanabe and Rui Hachimura have boosted jersey sales in Japan and have made the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively, part of the top five most-watched teams.
The influx of these International talents also help in making huge strides in promoting inclusivity and fairness, while serving as an inspiration for their respective countrymen who aspire to break into the biggest basketball league in the world.
Joel Embiid is a perfect example of that model of grit. Being able to play in the league and nabbing MVP honors gives kids in Africa the right motivation. Seeing someone who grew up in their community getting appreciated for his skills and given the opportunity to play will ultimately inspire future hoopers.
Because of the rise in international generational talents, and the increased intensity and competitiveness brought by the draft and international basketball camps and scrimmages, there is a need to address the increasing support of communities around the globe.
Some efforts being focused on by the NBA include localizing the broadcasting of games, creating grassroots programs to source and develop undiscovered talent, and setting more interactions between current players and their fans.
Tatum sees that fans can naturally relate with and connect to the NBA because the game of basketball is a universal language.
“What is so compelling for all fans in the world, whether you have a player from that country or not, you’re watching the best basketball players in the world. What they do is so incredible and in particular the playoffs… it’s easy to understand and it’s accessible.”
The Philippines is one of the NBA’s biggest international markets despite not having a full-born Filipino in the league.
With the opening of the biggest NBA Store and the launch of the NBA Community Court initiative in the Philippines, the league is focused on developing grassroots programs and localizing content for the wide support they garner from Filipinos.
“It’s one of the markets where we have the most passionate fans in the world - those fans are so knowledgeable about the NBA. The vast majority of Filipinos follow the NBA and are passionate about it, and we’re so appreciative of that,” Tatum said.
