A report by Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams of Sportico provides new insight into the NBA’s ongoing discussions about launching a professional basketball league in Europe, with the potential to reshape the international basketball landscape. However, no formal vote on the proposal will take place during this week’s Board of Governors meetings in New York, an NBA spokesperson confirmed.
The idea has been under consideration for some time as the NBA looks to expand its global footprint—and revenue streams—through a partnership with FIBA.
According to Sportico, the league believes the combined Europe-Middle East basketball ecosystem could eventually generate up to $3 billion in annual revenue.
“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,” a league spokesman said in a statement.
NBA owners could vote on the proposal at any time, though no formal vote is scheduled during the meetings this week in New York, an NBA spokesman said.
Key details from the proposal include:
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The league would initially feature 8 to 10 teams, with up to four spots potentially offered to existing EuroLeague clubs willing to transition to “NBA Europe” as early as next season.
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Franchises would be sold to outside investors, with the NBA retaining a 50% stake, and the remaining 50% owned by private investors.
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The NBA would prefer new franchise owners who do not already hold stakes in U.S.-based NBA teams. Potential buyers could include sovereign wealth funds, high-net-worth individuals, or—though less likely—existing European basketball clubs.
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Franchises in key markets like London or Paris could be priced at a minimum of $500 million, according to league estimates.
While the project remains in an exploratory phase, the ambition is clear: NBA Europe could soon be more than just an idea, but it won’t be voted on this week.
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