Rumors

France has been officially announced as the host nation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2031, marking a major milestone for international basketball and reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a global hub for major sporting events. The tournament will be staged across three iconic cities—Paris, Lille, and Lyon—bringing world-class basketball action to some of France’s most vibrant urban centers. The decision highlights France’s proven ability to organize large-scale international competitions, following the success of recent high-profile events such as the Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games. With state-of-the-art arenas, efficient transport networks, and a passionate sports culture, the country is well-positioned to deliver a memorable tournament for players, fans, and stakeholders alike.

EuroHoops.net

Silver wants to put new teams in London, Paris, Rome, and Manchester, England, backed by soccer giants and the biggest investment funds in the world (the Saudi PIF has expressed interest). Existing clubs with similar financial backing are being targeted in Barcelona and Madrid, in Milan, in Athens and Istanbul, Berlin and Munich, and Lyon, France. If Silver is (and in all likelihood, he will be) successful in bringing this new league on line, current NBA players said, overwhelmingly, they would consider, some day, playing in NBA Europe. “Yeah, it would interest me a little bit. I think that’s pretty cool,” said Charlotte rookie and Rising Star Kon Knueppel.

New York Times

Yabusele signed with ASVEL, a Euroleague club just outside of Lyon, in late February, but played in only five games before the French team also suspended its season. When Yabusele learned that the NBA had done the same, he realized “now this is serious” worldwide. “I was like, ‘What is going on?’” Yabusele said. “Not knowing when it was going to stop. Not knowing when you’re going to be able to go outside. … I’m looking outside of my building and there’s nobody in the street. I’m like, ‘This is the end times.’”

inquirer.com

Serbia met France at the LDLC Arena in Lyon as part of the preparations for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Led by NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, the Serbian national team emerged victorious with a final score of 67-79. Denver Nuggets‘ center paved the way to victory with 20 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out midway through the final quarter.

EuroHoops.net

Two decades and four NBA titles, six all-star selections, one Finals MVP award and one European championship as a player later, Parker is living out the basketball version of his “L’Entraîneur” dreams as the president and majority owner of ASVEL Basket in Villeurbanne, the smaller twin city of Lyon. ASVEL is the top hoops club in France, with its men’s and women’s teams both leading their domestic leagues and competing in the EuroLeague, the continent’s best club competition. And in directing a handful of projects aimed at enhancing education and life in Lyon, his adopted home city, Parker’s influence here expands by the year.

The Athletic

Tony Parker announced in a press conference that in 2018, in Lyon, he will open basketball Academy. Tony Parker is the president of ASVEL Villeurbanne-Lyon since 2014. The Academy will have five different structures: a training facility for ASVEL, a training center for 30 youngsters per year, an educational academy for youngsters, a school for referees and a campus with 400 house units.

Sportando

Emiliano Carchia: Former NBA player now in ASVEL, Hilton Armstrong denied that he was back to the States having a workout with Los Angeles Clippers. 'I was not in the States during my vacation time. Some friends came to Lyon and I have been here for Christmas'

Twitter

Emiliano Carchia: Tony Parker said that Ronny Turiaf landed on Monday in Lyon trying to find a solution for his insurance. Via @Laurent Sallard

Twitter