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However, beyond what happens on the court, the real story is that the NBA continues to penetrate into different countries as basketball becomes more popular.
To learn more about the inaugural Abu Dhabi Games and the league’s efforts to expand audiences around the world, BasketballNews.com interviewed Samantha Engelhardt, NBA vice president of global strategy and innovation.
First, how good is it for the league to get back on the global schedule after the pandemic? How hard is it logically to process/schedule time and then go back to normal workflow?
Samantha Engelhardt: “We are delighted to be back playing Global Games for the first time in over two years. Playing overseas is an important part of our year-round effort to attract passionate international fans and grow the game globally. Planning for these games and side events It is a highly collaborative process between Alliance and Team employees, partners and our regional offices.
“In Japan and Abu Dhabi, we hosted four sold-out games, interactive fan events, NBA Cares community outreach and youth development programs that drew thousands. We were very pleased with the reception and anticipation of fans in both markets Satisfied and looking forward to continuing this positive momentum during the regular season in Mexico City and Paris.”
What has been the key to building a global fan base over the years?
Engelhardt: “There are many factors. This season marks the 30th anniversary of the ‘Dream Team’ Their performance at the Barcelona Olympics captivated a global audienceIt’s amazing to see how this team has inspired generations of fans and players around the world. We were fortunate to have so many players from outside the US making an impact in the NBA and the WNBA in the years since.
“In terms of our efforts, we have a three-pronged strategy to help grow the game of basketball globally: grassroots basketball development (creating opportunities for boys and girls to play), making it easier for international fans on devices Get access to NBA basketball and the platforms they use most and, like Global Games, bring the NBA experience to fans around the world through live games, interactive fan events and authentic merchandise.”
Why is this thing important to the league? To what extent has the NBA’s influx of international talent fueled this goal to reach fans outside the United States?
Engelhardt: “Our mission is to inspire and connect people around the world through the power of basketball. 99% of NBA fans who never make it to an NBA game consume our games entirely through some form of technology. Everything we do is very It’s important to reach and engage these fans with the content and experiences they want, which is why we just Launched redesigned NBA app It does exactly that.
“The level of international talent in the league is critical to the continued growth of basketball and the NBA globally. This will be the ninth consecutive season we have had at least 100 international players in the league. And not just quantity, but quality. International players The impact on the NBA is as important as ever. Two international players – Serbia’s Nikola Jokic and Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo – have won the last four MVP awards. All of these players spark interest and inspire people in their home country and elsewhere.”
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