Home / Sports / Silver: Giannis's NBA stake is tiny, well within rules
Silver: Giannis's NBA stake is tiny, well within rules
15 Feb
Summary
- Giannis Antetokounmpo's investment is much smaller than one percent.
- NBA Europe league is realistically targeted for a 2027-28 launch.
- New arena infrastructure is a key focus for the European league.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed several key topics ahead of the All-Star Weekend, including player investments and the future of the NBA in Europe. Silver clarified that Giannis Antetokounmpo's stake in a prediction market is 'much smaller than one percent,' thus not violating NBA rules. These rules, collectively bargained with the Players Association, permit players de minimis investments in such markets.
Regarding the long-discussed NBA Europe league, Silver expressed optimism about recent constructive discussions with the EuroLeague, especially following the appointment of a new CEO. He indicated that a launch between the 2027-28 seasons remains a realistic possibility. However, Silver stressed that the league's initial form might evolve significantly over time, with a primary focus on developing much-needed arena infrastructure across Europe. This initiative is envisioned as a long-term project, built over decades rather than for short-term returns.
Silver highlighted Europe's strong basketball heritage and its significant representation in the NBA, noting that approximately 15 percent of NBA players are European. He also pointed to the potential of leveraging historic European clubs with large fan bases and the NBA's global social media community of two billion people to drive engagement for the new league, which is expected to have a global following.
