London Lions CEO Embraces NBA Europe Challenge as Growth Catalyst
London Lions CEO Lenz Balan describes himself as "an irrational optimist" when discussing the impending arrival of an NBA Europe team in London. Rather than viewing the world's premier basketball league's expansion as a threat, Balan sees it as a significant opportunity for British basketball's ecosystem.
NBA Europe Expansion Accelerates
The NBA is accelerating plans to launch a European competition that would bring a deep-pocketed investor-backed team to London within just 18 months. While this might appear to threaten existing clubs, Balan remains undeterred, having steered the Lions through the turbulent period following 777 Partners' failed stewardship to their current revival under Nord VPN owners Tesonet.
"We think we have a reason to exist, irrespective of if there's another team in the marketplace," Balan told City AM. "I also tend to think that more capital coming in is a good thing for anybody who is currently operating in the marketplace. The best place to put a McDonald's is next to a Wendy's. And I think that probably works in this opportunity."
Market Potential Underserved
Balan challenges the notion that multiple London basketball teams would cannibalize each other's support. "I actually don't think that cannibalisation is going to happen," he asserts. "The potential market opportunity is so large for British basketball and London in particular that you need at least one or two clubs spending time, money and resources, building out the ecosystem in their respective locations in London. That will unlock the broader opportunity."
NBA Europe Ambitions and Secrecy
While remaining coy about whether Tesonet has bid for the London NBA Europe license, Balan confirms: "The only thing I can say is that we'd love to be in NBA Europe. Our objective doesn't change, whether we're the NBA Europe franchise or somebody else is. We want to build a globally recognised basketball brand that's at the top of European basketball."
Secrecy surrounds the bidding process, though Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is reportedly among contenders for the capital's team. The Lions may need to earn their spot through qualification, with Balan encouraged by resumed talks between the NBA and EuroLeague that should clarify competition structures.
"I think it would make a ton of sense for the NBA to have two clubs in London," Balan suggests, while acknowledging: "I tend to not spend too much time focusing on things that I can't control. I can't control what the NBA is doing. I can't control what EuroLeague is doing."
On-Court Success and Financial Challenges
The Lions are enjoying a stellar domestic season despite European disappointment, having already secured three trophies in 2026 and pursuing a domestic quadruple with next month's playoffs. However, financial sustainability remains elusive, with the club owing over £5 million to owners while both team and league operate at losses.
This financial reality drives ambitious plans for London's first purpose-built basketball arena. "I think the biggest reason why basketball has failed in this country is the fact that clubs have to rent out venues," Balan explains. "Having control of the venue is the fastest path to financial sustainability." The project has reached "phase two," with updates expected by summer.
British Basketball's Structural Challenges
British basketball continues recovering from last year's collapse of governing body the BBF following costly legal disputes with Super League Basketball and its clubs. Balan advocates for the successor organization to delegate player development to teams: "Clubs that are well capitalised and have the right ambition are the best places to deploy scarce resources to grow participation. If we have a governing body that is aligned towards that and holds clubs accountable, I think we'll have more and more success."
League Expansion Plans
Super League Basketball aims to replenish finances post-legal saga by expanding beyond its current nine teams, with Liverpool considered the most likely new franchise location following Manchester's successful SLB entry.
"I think it's really important for the league to add new teams," Balan emphasizes. "That's the right place to grow the ecosystem, especially if those clubs have ambitions that really add to it. Not everybody has to have the same ambitions that London and Manchester have – there are lots of ways to do it. The important thing is that we're really thoughtful about who those new club owners are, that they have clear business models, and that they share the overall ambition of the league growing."
