British superstar OG Anunoby delivered the ultimate viral moment with his tip-in which swung the NBA Finals decisively in the New York Knicks’ favour – and now he’s buzzing to see more UK basketball stars follow in his footsteps.
Anunoby believes that NBA Europe – plans for which were confirmed as “on schedule” to launch next year by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver – will allow other Brits to blaze a similar trail as himself right to the top of the game.
It was his epic leap and delicate tip with 1.2 seconds to go of Game 4 that saw the Knicks go from losing a second consecutive game and the San Antonio Spurs taking all the momentum back with them to Texas by drawing the series level, to New York taking an ultimately decisive lead before going on to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
A moment for the ages and one which Anunoby hopes can help the NBA capitalise on their plans to expand into Europe.
London and Manchester are both being targeted for potential franchises and Anunoby is enthusiastic at the prospect of world-class basketball being available to fans in the UK.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) rebounds as San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle defends (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Reflecting on the sensational moment which will be etched in the NBA annals forever, Anunoby told Sky Sports: “Game four was probably the top of British basketball history.
“It was just amazing for Britain and the UK, and just everyone that loves basketball in the UK.”
The 28-year-old is also a firm believer in the potential of basketball in this country and reckons the new league could be the spark which fuels a further explosion in what is already the fastest-growing sport in the UK, according to Sport England.
“I think London, especially, is an untapped market,” said Anunoby. “There’s so much talent and so many people playing basketball, so I think it would be amazing to bring a team to Manchester and London and continue growing in England.”
Billion-dollar franchise offers and millions invested in UK basketball
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed that NBA Europe is “on schedule” to launch in October 2027 (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)
The competition for franchises is red hot.
The NBA and FIBA confirmed that several bids above the $1 billion mark were received during the bidding process, representing by far the most capital ever committed to European basketball.
“The NBA’s ambitions to expand into Europe represent a massive opportunity for the UK,” Lisa Nandy, Secretary for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. “Franchises could deliver billions of pounds in economic growth and create jobs, but just as importantly, they would bring unforgettable moments for fans right here on home soil.
“We’re excited to work with the NBA as plans progress.”
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy arrives for a cabinet meeting (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Together, the NBA and UK Government announced a joint £10 million investment to create more opportunities and spaces for youth to learn and play the game of basketball last year. The NBA has also pledged to invest more than $3 billion in support of the league and its teams to establish a strong foundation for launch which includes a heavy investment in grassroots basketball to reduce early-stage risk for participating clubs and create a clear pathway to profitability and long-term growth.
So, if that’s the grass roots being looked after – what about the similarly fundamental question of how to engage the fans in a lasting way?
Research by GWI shows that the UK has more than 10 million basketball fans, eight million of whom follow the NBA.
It’s also worth noting that the NBA is the fastest-growing sports league overall in the UK, per GWI, and that adult NBA fandom has increased 24 per cent since 2022, according to YouGov.
The biggest challenge with that, as any avid fan of the league knows, is the time difference – but UK-based teams, playing with world-class players, competing properly and playing games in European time zones, could solve that.
George Aivazoglou believes the UK market has great potential in basketball terms (NBA)
“In the UK market, we have a lot of basketball fans that are just not very attracted to European basketball or British basketball,” said George Aivazoglou, NBA Managing Director for Europe and the Middle East.
“The UK is one of our biggest markets, so the NBA is doing very well there. Essentially, at one end, you have lots of young boys and girls picking up basketballs to play, and on the other end, you have lots of NBA fans engaging with the product in the US regardless of the time zone challenges.
“I think with the NBA coming into Europe, with franchises in London and Manchester, with the amazing buildings we have in England, I think that’s going to be a very strong platform for that clear love for the game of basketball to also move to something more European. There’s definitely a very strong base.”
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby dunks the ball (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Anunoby believes that the NBA planting roots in the UK, to activate that strong base, offers the opportunity for basketball to grow in a way that it never has before.
“As time goes on it is going to grow more and more,” he said. “I think over time more and more [kids] are going to pull up at the NBA or WNBA.
“I want them to see that someone from where they are form is doing this. There is a lot of untapped potential and hope it’s going to grow. It will take exposure, growth, more leagues, more excitement for the game.”
It seems that the UK’s basketball story is just starting – and Anunoby’s part in it all, will no doubt be remembered forever.
