By John Lombardo
SportsBusiness Journal

The NBA will open an office in Russia after the league approves the purchase of the New Jersey Nets by Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov, which is expected this spring.

The league has been interviewing executives for a managing director position for the Russian office, which will most likely be in Moscow as the NBA continues its push to grow internationally.

“We are waiting for the Prokhorov deal to be completed because we want to work with him,” said Heidi Ueberroth, president of NBA International. “We see (Russia) as a strategic market, and the Prokhorov deal only serves to accelerate our plans.”

NBA owners must vote to approve his $200 million deal to buy 80 percent of the Nets and 45 percent of the Barclays Center.

The NBA has long had a television deal in Russia, but now wants to develop the game on a grassroots level. The NBA has conducted youth basketball camps in Russia with former NBA all-stars A.C. Green and Scottie Pippen.

“We are focusing on growing the game, and it’s already been a key part of our strategy,” Ueberroth said. “It is really important for our partners like Adidas and Coca-Cola, and we are looking at all kinds of events and additional media opportunities.”

The NBA is not planning a Russian spin-off similar to its NBA China entity that includes outside investors. The office in Russia will join international league offices in London; Paris; Milan, Italy; Istanbul, Turkey; and Madrid, Spain. The league is also planning to open a new office this year in India.
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