The Utah Jazz is casting its web broad for worldwide gamers.
“We have scouts all over the world — virtually each basketball nation all through the world,” Danny Ainge, the group’s CEO and governor, instructed CNBC’s “Halftime Report” on Friday.
The two-time champion of the National Basketball Association and former NBA All-Star highlighted having scouts in international locations all through South America, Europe and Asia, in addition to each area in the U.S.
“It’s a worldwide sport, and we obtained to search out them all,” he mentioned.
His remarks come after the NBA introduced in October that a record 125 international players — 5 of which have been on the Utah Jazz — have been on opening-night rosters for the 2023-24 season. Those gamers hailed from 40 international locations and territories throughout six continents, with a document from Canada at 26 and France at 14.
All 30 NBA groups characteristic no less than one worldwide participant this season.
International ticket gross sales additionally noticed a 120% increase from final season, in accordance with StubHub. Fans are touring from a complete of 92 international locations to North American video games, which is up from 68 international locations final season.
Ainge joined the Utah Jazz as CEO in December 2021 after main basketball operations for the Boston Celtics for 18 years.
Utah Jazz’s valuation at present sits at $3.09 billion, in accordance with data from analysis agency Statista. This marks a 52.59% improve from final yr and a 76.57% improve since the yr Ainge joined the franchise.