The NBA is making strides to broaden the international horizons of basketball. The Chicago Bulls faced off against the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 19 at Accor Arena in Paris, France, for the second international NBA game since 2020.
The NBA impacted roughly 1,000 French youth through NBA Cares. The organization created various charitable activities throughout France. Bulls and Pistons staff and players ran free basketball clinics which put smiles on the faces of French children.
Games across the globe not only provide international exposure, but foster relationships with European officials with hopes of continuing the globalization of the NBA.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver met with French president Emmanuel Macron the day prior to the game. The meeting resulted in a newly formed partnership that involves working directly with the French federation and league to further develop basketball commercialization in France. Both parties want to bring people together to represent basketball's important values, which teach youth the importance of discipline, respect and teamwork.