This October, the Minnesota Timberwolves will play two preseason games in Europe. Their first stop will be in London, playing at the O2 Arena (pictured) against the defending NBA champion LA Lakers. Their next game will be against the New York Knicks at the Bercy Arena in Paris.
One can easily see the high value for the NBA in having preseason games abroad. NBA commissioner David Stern told the associated press that cultivating the European fan base, especially in countries that have sent stars to the league (France and Spain in particular—the Lakers will play in Barcelona) including Tony Parker and Pau Gasol. The additional revenue stream into the league from packed arenas abroad for preseason games that would have meant very quiet home venues for NBA teams is also a huge bonus.
But what does an NBA team have to gain from a trip abroad, other than the obvious?
If you’re the Minnesota Timberwolves, you stand to gain a great deal by taking the entire team away for a week or two.
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Article written by Matt Bick