| According to league commissioner David Stern; there | | | | six different cities. Additionally, Stern stated that the |
| are new plans for the upcoming regular NBA games | | | | 2012 Summer Olympics hosted in London can be used |
| as these could be played overseas. | | | | as a indicator of the sport's potential in England. In |
| The sport's interest has been increasing internationally, | | | | recent years, London has become a very likeable |
| therefore, in an effort to support its current popularity | | | | destination for American sports such as Hockey and |
| an exhibition game will be played this Wednesday in | | | | NFL . |
| London. This is certainly a nice opportunity for the | | | | On the other hand, among the players there are also |
| British fans to presence live basketball action; the | | | | different reactions to the idea of playing overseas. For |
| teams which will be present are the Boston Celtics | | | | example, Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics captain had his |
| and the Minnesota Timberwolves. | | | | saying regarding the fact "That's hard to say. I'm so |
| The show will be the first visit of the NBA in London in | | | | used to being close to my family and friends," "Maybe |
| 12 years. "We've played in Istanbul, Rome and now | | | | when my career is over." |
| London ... They've been overwhelming successes," | | | | For now the NBA is only testing the foreign grounds; |
| Stern said. | | | | as to establish a franchise will be a very serious step |
| The 12-day pre-season tour includes seven games in | | | | which requires time and planning. |