NBA will debut British bow

The NBA will debut in Britain on Friday when the New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors face off for the first ever regular season matches held in Europe.

British basketball officials in 02 Arena London in two matches Friday and Saturday basketball world leaders expected to help Britain Olympic tournament next year to accommodate acts.

NBA commissioner David Stern has said The United States further support sports outside the Olympics are important in promoting basketball.

NBA commissioner David Stern said at the announcement of this weekend's matches, "I believe that that is a very important lead in to the 2012 Olympics, because in Beijing, basketball was the hottest ticket".

"We want as much as possible to demonstrate the power and fun of this sport of ours."

Toronto guard Calderon said, "I'm very excited about this trip".

"These are two important games for us, and games have never been played in Europe before, so it will be nice to be close to home," added Calderon, part of the Spanish team that took silver in Beijing.

"It would be great for me to be back here in the finals (next year). The 2008 Olympics was the best experience. We've got a good team and it would be great to get back but we've got to qualify first."

World basketball governing body FIBA has asked Britain to tell that, long term plans of national team competition is the game in the country has been put in place to prepare for.

The NBA said the London WNBA regular season games with Manchester in the first season of play and relationships, supported the British bid..

NBA Europe senior vice president Sophie Goldschmidt earlier this week said, "This comprehensive schedule of premier basketball events will help grow the sport for years to come".

"This partnership shows our ongoing commitment to deepen basketball's footprint in the country."

FIBA 13 March Executive Committee meeting in a Leon Great Britain Olympic event he will rule.