NBA meets Prime Minister Kier Starmer for talks at No10

By Sam Neter on August 2, 2025

NBA commissioner Adam Silver Prime Minister Kier Starmer

Image Credit: City AM

NBA commissioner Adam Silver and deputy commissioner Mark Tatum reportedly received positive signals from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during lengthy discussions about launching NBA Europe at No10 Downing Street this week.

The meeting, first reported by Marc Stein on X, saw Starmer dedicate over 60 minutes to the discussions on Wednesday, with sources telling City AM that NBA chiefs were “encouraged” by the talks.

According to City AM, the conversations covered the potential economic impact of NBA Europe on the UK and its basketball fanbase, with current proposals including franchises in both London and Manchester as part of the pan-continental competition.

The NBA has adopted a “deliberately cautious approach” to the European expansion, City AM reports, with league officials keen to present plans to high-level stakeholders to build support for what would be a “major undertaking.”

Silver and Tatum’s European tour also included meetings with London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Tuesday, coinciding with confirmation that London will host its first regular-season NBA game since 2019 next January. Manchester is set to follow suit with a game in 2027.

City AM reports the NBA executives also held talks with several major investment firms in London this week, including CVC Capital Partners, RedBird, Bridgepoint, KKR and HongShan, as they explore franchise investment opportunities.

Read the full article at City AM.

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