Sadiq Khan meets NBA chiefs with potential London return on cards

London mayor Sadiq Khan today met the NBA Deputy Commissioner as hopes of a NBA return to London grew further.

The pair spoke on Thursday “to discuss their shared ambition to expand the sport’s reach and influence in the capital, including through live NBA games”.

“I want to do big events, whether it’s Wrestlemania, whether it’s speaking to the BOA [British Olympic Association] and the new government about a future Olympics, or regular events like NFL [American football], MLB [baseball],” Khan told City AM earlier this year.

“Can we have regular basketball games [NBA] in London as well? Regular big boxing bouts as well – we’ve got a big one in September in [Anthony] Joshua. It’s really important to bring boxing back to London.

“The idea is to spread the word that London is open for business, for sporting events. And the great thing is that the change of government and the way that David Lammy and Keir Starmer have hit the ground running really has been noticed. Keir is going to be here as well. And so it’s really important to talk up London and the UK.”

NBA in London

On Thursday’s meeting he added: “It was great to meet with NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum today to discuss the possibility of bringing more NBA games and activities to London and how we can further expand the game in the capital.

“Basketball continues to go from strength-to-strength and by creating a new task force I want to help it grow even further, enabling more young people to access and enjoy the sport.

“London has provided the stage for so many unforgettable sporting moments and I’m committed to making sure we further cement our position as the sporting capital of the world.

“I look forward to working closely with the NBA and other global sports to extend their activities in London and ensure we continue to have a packed calendar of world-class sporting events.”

Close cooperation

NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, said: “The NBA has a long history of playing games in London, and we are committed to further growing the game in the city and across the UK.

“Through grassroots programs for youth and coaches, weekly games that air in prime time on TNT Sports, the beautiful new NBA Store on Oxford Street and more, there has never been a better time to be an NBA fan in London.

“We look forward to working more closely with Mayor Khan and his administration to build on these efforts in the years to come.”