Brazil has consolidated itself as one of the main global markets for the NBA, with a fan base that exceeds 50 million people. The popularity of the league in the country began to be built in the 1990s, when the legendary team of Chicago Bulls and the iconic Dream Team (US National Team that took gold at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992) boosted basketball for mainstream.
However, it was from 2012, with the opening of the local NBA office, that the relationship with the Brazilian market was transformed, generating exponential growth in broadcasts and events. The theme was debated during – sport, investments and innovation, promoted by Infomoney.
Fabio Laudisio, Associate Vice President of NBA Latam, explained that the local presence was essential to consolidate the success of the league in Brazil.
“When we opened the office in 2012, we had about 100 games broadcast by ESPN. Today, there are more than 500 matches broadcast on all possible platforms. In addition, that year there were no official NBA store in the country; now we are already opening the 33rd unit. Infomoney.
According to Laudisio, Brazil has some competitive advantages compared to other international markets, especially due to the time of matches.
“NBA Games take place in prime time in Brazil, when the public is used to watching football. In Europe, the games are at dawn; in Asia, in the morning. This puts us in a prominent position, making Brazil one of the priority countries for the League.”
In addition to Brazil, other NBA -relevant markets include Mexico and Africa, especially Basketball Africa League (BAL). In Europe, Germany, France and Eastern European countries stand out, while in Asia, Japan, China and Philippines they have great representativeness.
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Game Dream in Brazil Still faces barriers
The holding of an NBA match in Brazil is an old desire for fans, but still faces significant barriers, according to Laudisio. Hope has recently grown by the games of another American league, a.
“We have nothing concrete at the moment. The main difficulty is the lack of an arena with global standard, as well as the commercial challenges and the tight calendar of the League. Still, our commitment continues to bring the best activations and content to Brazilian fans,” he points out.
Despite the dream of the face -to -face game, the League has invested in events and activations that bring the public closer. The “NBA on the road” program, a web series broadcast on YouTube, is one of the examples of how the League seeks to maintain engagement.
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In addition, programs like “NBA Round” compile the best moves of the day, attracting both the most dedicated audience and casual viewers.
Another prominent point for NBA in Brazil is the strong engagement with the young public. Almost 50% of Brazilian fans are under 39, and the League bets on programs like the Junior NBA platform to maintain this long -term connection.
“The idea is not necessarily to train professional athletes, but to ensure that young people know and like the NBA early.
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Reflexes in National Basketball
The impact of NBA on Brazil also arouses reflections on the development of local basketball. Laudisio believes that sport in the country has improved considerably, but still faces challenges to achieve the level of professionalization of the US League.
“Brazilian basketball is on the right track, but it’s a long -term job. We already see more structured local championships and the emergence of new talents, but there is still much to evolve.”
The executive also points out that events such as the Brazilian star game have adopted itineraries similar to that of NBA, reflecting the search for professionalization and innovation in the national market.
For him, the development of the sport in Brazil depends on continuous effort and a more robust structure, similar to what happened with the NBA itself over the decades.
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Despite the challenges, the massive presence and passion of Brazilian fans continue to boost the league in the country, consolidating Brazil as one of the most strategic markets for the future of the NBA.
