In the February 24, 2011 class we discussed the principles and ideas underlying International Sport. The main reasons for creating global partnerships and engaging in International Sport is to establish working relationships that might close gaps between wealthy and poor nations, and to highlight shared interests among people in different nations. Yahoo Sports discusses some of these same concepts in the article about the NBA's expansion plan to the European Market. The Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets played a regular season game in London as NBA Commissioner David Stern continues to build upon a strong global market by giving foreign countries opportunities to identify with teams, and players throughout the league. This not only helps stimulate global growth, but brings about the general idea of basketball to countries who previously havn't adopted the sport. This leads to leagues being formed within the respective countries which can potentially develop foreign talent for the NBA in the near future. From an economic and global growth standpoint, expanding the game beyond national borders proves to be a wise beneficial decision for the NBA.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02032011/2/nba-london-calling-raptors-nets-play-first-europe.html
