The first regular NBA game in Germany attracted enormous attention, but beyond the event, fundamental questions arise about the future of basketball in this country. Dyn founder Christian Seifert therefore dampened the euphoria.
Seifert is not surprised that the NBA game in Berlin has generated enormous attention. The effect was immediately noticeable, especially in the media: “You can see that from the media coverage here in recent days,” he said on the sidelines of the “Blue Carpet” event hosted by Axel Springer Verlag in Berlin. When the strongest league in the world comes to town, there’s bound to be excitement.“
For him, it’s clear that such events have an impact beyond the venue. ”This will appeal to fans, not only in Berlin, but also outside the city. In that respect, it’s a great event, but also a great initiative by the NBA.”
NBA Europe: “Sounds good at first – but…”
Seifert is generally open to new competitions, including a possible NBA Europe. However, he deliberately avoids euphoria: “NBA Europe sounds good at first, but you have to take a pretty close look at what’s involved, because the really big NBA stars will still be playing in the US.”
Basketball in Europe is clearly on the rise, as evidenced by the growing number of European NBA players and strong club programs. But for a truly competitive NBA Europe to emerge, it will take much more than big city names and impressive logos.
Nevertheless, Seifert considers the plans of the world’s largest basketball league to engage with Europe to be logical: “I can totally understand why the NBA, as one of the most popular sports in the world and the strongest league in this sport, is considering this.”
BBL in a field of tension
Seifert is particularly clear on the question of possible consequences for the Bundesliga. Growth in basketball does not automatically mean growth for the BBL: “Not everything that helps the sport also helps the league.” The reason for this is the heterogeneous audience. Unlike in handball or soccer, for example, fans of the NBA, BBL, and EuroLeague sometimes have little overlap. “Handball is simply the second strongest league sport after soccer. You can see that when you look at the TV ratings for international matches. Handball is still well ahead.”
Despite all the competition, Seifert does not believe the Bundesliga is on the wrong track: “The BBL is on the right track in that it has set itself clear growth and development goals,” said the official, referring to the triple-double strategy, which aims to double the league in several key areas by 2032.
However, halfway through the six-year TV contract between Dyn and the BBL, Seifert still sees untapped potential: “The clubs need to be convinced to take these steps. (…) It is also clear that there are infrastructural challenges here and there. The arenas are getting older and need to be renovated. We will see what decisions cities and municipalities make.”
