Keith Wyness

Sat 12 April 2025 10:00, UK

Tottenham have not been shy in embracing other sports despite their lack of football success, with strong links forged between the club and the NFL in recent years.

Spurs also have a unique Formula 1 partnership and have also hosted rugby and boxing at their 62,850-capacity stadium.

It has been widely reported in recent weeks that the NBA and FIBA are exploring a partnership to establish a new basketball league in Europe.

Basketball in the United Kingdom has been in crisis in recent memory following the collapse of the British Basketball League last year (2024) after its formation in 1987.

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has claimed a potential link up with Tottenham and the NBA to form a new team for the proposed league will be “very tempting”.

Tottenham will be holding talks over basketball opportunity, says Wyness

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness suggested Tottenham and Daniel Levy will be holding talks about the “exciting opportunity”.

Spurs have also been linked with bringing the first potential British franchise to the NFL in the near future, as well as holding potential Super Bowl games at their stadium.

Wyness insisted a European expansion could “double the value of the NBA”.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “This will be a very tempting situation for a lot of clubs – like Tottenham.

“Basketball in Europe has been around for a very long time. Barcelona, Real Madrid – they’ve had basketball teams.

“When I was at Everton, I started the Everton Tigers and within a couple of years, we won the British Basketball League title.

“That showed there was an appetite for it in the UK. We had crowds of up to 10,000.

“I’m amazed a NBA-sponsored league hasn’t happened already, I’m convinced there is a need for that.

“You’d have strong European clubs, if they can align it with the football clubs.

“Adam Silver’s on to something here and it could double the value of the NBA if they get it right.

“It’s a no-brainer.

“I think it’s something that should happen and will happen, and there will be talks at Tottenham going on about this exciting opportunity.”

‘Richarlison certain to leave Tottenham’

Meanwhile, ex-Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider (7 April) that Richarlison is not seen as a part of the long-term plans for the future at Tottenham.

Everton are one of the clubs interested in a move to re-sign the Brazilian, who remains very highly-regarded on Merseyside despite his exit in 2022.

He has made just 14 appearances for Ange Postecoglou’s side this term – scoring three goals.

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