Hawks Back NBA’s Global Push as Snyder, Daniels Advocate for More International Games

As the NBA continues to stage regular-season games beyond North America, the idea of a deeper international footprint no longer feels speculative. Stops in cities across Europe and Latin America have evolved from novelty events into recurring fixtures on the calendar, fueling talk of even bolder moves, including a European-based division or expansion franchise.

Among the voices supporting that growth are members of the Atlanta Hawks. Guard Dyson Daniels and head coach Quin Snyder have both embraced the idea of taking more regular-season games overseas, particularly around the All-Star break when travel windows are more manageable.

For Snyder, the concept reflects the reality of today’s league. NBA rosters are increasingly international, and the fan base stretches well beyond American borders. Bringing meaningful games to those audiences, he argues, is simply meeting demand that already exists.

The broader conversation has picked up momentum as the league looks for new markets and new fans. With basketball’s popularity surging globally, teams like Atlanta see overseas games not as exhibitions but as opportunities to connect, compete and grow the sport.

1. A League Without Borders

The NBA’s global ambitions are visible on the schedule. Recent years have featured games in Paris, London, Mexico City and Berlin, with strong crowds and significant local interest at each stop. Those events have helped normalize the idea that regular-season basketball can thrive outside traditional arenas. What once felt like special occasions are now part of a broader strategy to make the league more accessible to fans worldwide. Snyder views that evolution as logical. In his mind, a league filled with players from Europe, Australia and Africa should also play in those regions. The product, he says, is inherently global. He has described the prospect of a European-focused initiative as a natural next step, arguing that hosting games abroad strengthens the connection between the NBA and the communities that already follow it closely.

2. Players Feel the Impact

For international players such as Daniels, the benefits go beyond business metrics. Competing overseas offers a chance to perform closer to home and to inspire the next generation of athletes who may be watching from afar. Snyder has pointed to the steady pipeline of European talent entering the NBA as proof that interest runs deep. Many of those players grew up watching NBA broadcasts in their home countries before making the leap to the United States. Events like the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Olympic Games often spark surges in global attention, further blending domestic and international basketball cultures. According to Snyder, those tournaments show how quickly the game travels across borders. Exposure works both ways. As more NBA teams play abroad, American players and fans also gain a broader appreciation for international styles and traditions, creating a more connected basketball community.

3. Strategy Beyond the Court

From a league perspective, the push overseas is about long-term stability as much as spectacle. Expanding the audience creates new sponsorships, media deals and partnerships that can sustain growth for years to come. Decision-makers understand that the next wave of fans may not be in traditional markets. Investing abroad — through games, clinics and local engagement — plants seeds that could shape the league’s future footprint. Snyder believes that thinking globally ultimately benefits teams at home. Greater visibility increases the value of the product, strengthens the brand and offers players experiences that go beyond the standard travel routine. As conversations continue about potential expansion or a European-based structure, support from coaches and players like those in Atlanta adds credibility. For them, the direction is clear: the more the NBA embraces the world, the stronger it becomes.