As international stakeholders look to attract the NBA beyond North America, foreign money has been pouring into the league in new ways, too. Last year, the Qatar Investment Authority purchased a 5% stake in Wizards parent company Monumental Sports & Entertainment worth about $200 million.

Monumental CEO Ted Leonsis has predicted more teams will embrace sovereign wealth funds, among other alternative investment entities, and Tatum agrees. “There’s no doubt that those conversations are happening with our clubs and potential investors around the world,” NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum (above) tells Front Office Sports.