- The NBA is considering launching a European basketball league that could feature up to 10 teams
- The league proposal will be discussed at the NBA Board of Governors meeting this week, with potential collaboration with FIBA, basketball’s global governing body.
- Franchise slots could be valued as high as $500 million, attracting private investors, sovereign wealth funds, and European clubs to the competition.
The NBA is edging closer to a groundbreaking move that could change the face of European basketball.
The league is set to review a proposal to establish a new European basketball competition, a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday, March 25. If approved, the league could feature up to 10 teams, including some of Europe’s most established clubs.
According to top news outlets, the proposal includes eight to 10 franchises, with up to four teams from the EuroLeague, Europe’s top club competition, potentially joining. Additionally, new franchises could be introduced in major cities such as London and Paris, with valuations reaching as high as $500 million per team.
An NBA spokesperson confirmed that discussions would take place at the NBA Board of Governors meeting this week.
The league emphasised that any potential expansion into Europe would be done in collaboration with FIBA, world basketball’s governing body,
“At this week’s NBA Board of Governors meeting, the league will report on its exploration of a new men’s basketball league in Europe, in partnership with FIBA,” the spokesperson said.
For months, speculation has grown regarding the NBA’s plans to expand its presence in Europe. Mark Tatum, the NBA’s deputy commissioner, hinted at the possibility in October, describing European basketball as an “untapped opportunity,”
“There’s no doubt that I think there is an opportunity for the game of basketball to continue to grow in Europe, and, you know, what we’re focused on is really working with FIBA and our partners in Europe to tap into this untapped opportunity to further grow the game of basketball there,” Tatum stated on a conference call.
Despite basketball's popularity in Europe, Tatum pointed out that the sport had “less than a one percent share of the commercial market.” He stressed that there was potential for a “better model” to elevate European basketball’s global appeal.
Sportico further reported that although no formal vote on the proposal had been scheduled for this week's meetings in New York, NBA team owners have the flexibility to vote on the plan at any time.
Under the proposed model, the NBA would sell permanent franchise slots to outside investors, including sovereign wealth funds, private capital, wealthy individuals, or even existing European basketball clubs.
If approved, this initiative could redefine European basketball, bringing NBA-style competition, investment, and global exposure to the continent like never before.
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