HOME    NEWS    SPECIAL REPORT    PHOTO    COMMENTARY    VOICE
NEWS > Sports
NBA commissioner wants to put teams in China
2007-05-01 04:29:21 Shanghai Daily

SHANGHAI, May 1 -- National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern sees more of a need for new pro basketball teams in China than in North America, The Associated Press reported.

"I think 30 teams is a nice, round number, and I would not be recommending to the NBA owners to expand," Stern said before Monday Game 4 of the first-round playoff series between the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers.

"We will see in the next couple of years, coming out of the Beijing Olympics, the possibility of some joint venture between the NBA and someone in China about an NBA-sponsored and -branded league in China."

Stern added that "an NBA of China" is closer to happening than what he called a 20-year plan for having five franchises in Europe, and that, "domestically, we have enough teams."

On the topic of a new building for the Orlando Magic, the commissioner said there was a recent "midnight handshake" and that "they're working to finalize the deal, but with a very robust contribution from the team, there are now plans for a new arena."

Stern has said that Orlando would be a candidate to host All-Star weekend with a new building.

MORE NEWS
Umana will be presented Wednesday as America Cali's soccer coach  
O'Sullivan beats Robertson in snooker worlds  
PSV wins Dutch league title by a single goal  
Flawless Ghei triumphs by two in Beijing  
Indonesian bowlers aim for world glory  
Real Madrid coach plays down 4-1 victory over Athletic  
Nadal says going through great sporting moment  
Ugandan racer wins IAAF grand prix race  

SINA English is the English-language destination for news and information about China. Find general information on life, culture and travel in China through our news and special reports£¬or find business partners through our online Business Directory. For investment opportunities with SINA, please click the link "Investor" below.
| About SINA | Investor | Media Kit | Comments or Question? |
Copyright © 1996- SINA Corporation, All Rights Reserved