The National Basketball Association is in discussions with some of Europe's top football clubs about backing teams in a new basketball league on the continent, in what could potentially be a significant international expansion effort by a U.

The NBA reportedly believes up to $3 billion could be generated by basketball in European markets and the Middle East.

In January, NBA commissioner Adam Silver told reporters in Paris that it was looking into the endeavor and would update its owners in March. While basketball is popular in Europe, "the commercial opportunity has not kept pace with the growth of the game," Silver said. He added that "the market is ready to do more in this sport."