NBA boss targeting London

A london team will be competing in the NBA within 10 years, according to the sport's American chief.

David Stern, the NBA's commisioner has spoken of his dream of seeing a multi-team European division as a regular part of his United States set-up.

And, with the Docklands O2 Arena considered one of the world's best venues, Stern believes a London team could soon be competing on equal terms with the Boston Celtics and LA Lakers.

Stern said: "That is sort of an optimistic approach but I've set it out as saying that's something that can happen within 10 years.

"We need the buildings, we need the increase in affinity in terms of television, and we need an economic model that works.

"But I think that in this real age of globalisation, we are getting youngsters tuning in to our websites from all over the world following our sport, and it's really fascinating to see the growth that can possibly come from that.