Clithero, JohnWilkinson, Rowan2025-01-152025-01-152024-06https://hdl.handle.net/1794/3034052 pagesThis thesis explores the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) development into a global brand, analyzing its international business development strategies and their implications for organizations endeavoring to extend into foreign markets. Through an extensive literature review and empirical analysis, this thesis elucidates the NBA’s development from a struggling domestic sports league to a dominant global entity, identifying key factors and strategies that have contributed to its success in foreign markets. Drawing upon comparative analysis with another athletic organization, Major League Baseball (MLB), and a retail corporation, J. Crew, this thesis attempts to illustrate the strategies employed by the NBA to enter foreign markets and accomplish sustained growth as strategies applicable across industries. By analyzing similarities and differences in approach across these organizations, this thesis works to dispel the notion that the NBA’s success internationally is a unique phenomenon, and in fact, should be looked to for gainful insight into international business. As a result, this thesis puts forth actionable recommendations for international business development, derived from the NBA’s experience and success. This thesis highlights the importance of technological modernization, the cultivation of strong relationships with foreign markets through methods such as localization, and a commitment to innovation and technical transformation. Through analyzing these factors' role in the development of the NBA internationally, this thesis demonstrates these strategies as essential tools for organizations looking to maximize their international success and penetrate foreign markets. To conclude, this work emphasizes the NBA’s international success as a model for international business development. By utilizing the strategies demonstrated by the NBA and discussed in this thesis, businesses can position themselves for sustained growth and competitiveness on the international stage.en-USCreative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0-USsports, international, business, NBA, expansionThesis