NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum has offered one of the clearest visions yet of a potential NBA Europe during his appearance at the Sports Business Journal Dealmakers Conference. Speaking to The Athletic, Tatum outlined a flexible, evolving plan that could reshape global basketball.
“There’s nothing definitive yet,” Tatum said. “We’re speaking with many potential investors. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern were just examples. We envision a mix — existing elite European clubs, football giants without basketball sections, and newly formed franchises.”
The plan could include:
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A 16-team league with 10-12 permanent teams
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Qualification via the Basketball Champions League
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A pilot season as early as 2027-28
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Full launch in 2028-29
Tatum even imagined a preseason cup: “Imagine Knicks, Lakers, Bulls facing PSG, Real Madrid, Manchester City — with a trophy at the end.”
When asked about EuroLeague, Tatum acknowledged the current licensing situation: “From what I understand, several EuroLeague clubs haven’t signed the long-term license yet. When those expire, they’ll be free to choose.”
Names mentioned? PSG (not Paris Basketball), Real Madrid, Manchester City, AC Milan, Barcelona. No official comment yet on Olimpia Milano or Bayern, but Tatum hinted at cross-sport partnerships and global ambitions.
In short: NBA Europe is no longer a dream. It’s a strategy. And it’s starting to look real.
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