Heat-Nets Draws Sellout Crowd In London

While most major sports leagues in recent years have begun implementing plans to expand globally, the NBA remains at the forefront of international expansion efforts. As the league continues its NBA Europe Live exhibition tour, most recently featuring Nets-Heat before a sellout crowd at London's O2 arena, David Stern expresses a desire to see regular-season games in the U.K. by 2012. Stern also identifies the country as one that "could eventually host a franchise," although doubts remain as to whether there is enough fan interest to sustain a team over an entire season. Meanwhile, the growth efforts extend beyond just Europe, as the NBA and AEG finally unveil details of their long-discussed, multi-billion dollar joint venture to develop and operate arenas in China. Stateside, the Nuggets and Suns play an outdoor exhibition under the lights at Indian Wells. While some players bemoan chilly temperatures, the sellout crowd generates an "undeniable buzz" for what could become an annual event.