The National Basketball Association and the English Premier League are in talks over a commercial tie-up targeting new international markets, according to the Financial Times.
The UK newspaper reported on its website that representatives from both parties have met in London to discuss working together, and discussed their respective media rights strategies, particularly in Asia.
“We are unapologetic imitators,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “The Premier League's ability to negotiate their [media] deals and the way they split their packages [of media rights] .... is something we can learn from.”
Although a Chinese consortium is reportedly seeking a stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers, Stern also said that the Premier League is “a bit ahead” in terms of attracted foreign investment.
“In boom times an absence of restraints is attractive to investors and risk takers,” he added.
