NBA Europe remains targeted for October 2027. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum reiterated that timeline during a meeting with international media: “We continue to target October 2027 […] to begin rolling out this project, and we believe that the timing is realistic here.” He added: “This is not just about a season […] and launching a new league, it’s reimagining the entire European basketball ecosystem built on that merit-based foundation that gives every fan and club in Europe the right to dream.” On participating teams: “We definitely expect to begin announcing teams soon as agreements get finalized.”
Talks with EuroLeague remain open, but the project is moving forward. “I don’t want to disclose any private conversations with the EuroLeague. As we’ve said before, we continue to be hopeful that we’ll reach an agreement, but we’re prepared to proceed regardless.” Asked whether there was a deadline for an agreement, Tatum replied: “We’re not stopping. We’re moving and proceeding as quickly as we can. […] Our plan is to begin rolling out this project in October of 2027, which is a year from now. So we’ve got a lot of work to do, but we’re moving quickly and we’re not slowing down at all.” Regarding EuroLeague’s new financial strategy: “The 10-year business plan by the EuroLeague, it doesn’t affect our plans.”
Tatum also outlined the sporting structure and financial objectives. “There will be an established top-tier league, which is the NBA Europe League. There will be a second division. The winners of that second division will play into the top-tier league, and then there will be slots for every other club from every other domestic league to be able to play into on a merit-based pathway.” On sustainability: “Our model will provide clubs with a much quicker pathway to profitability. […] Our average permanent team in our league is projected to be profitable by year 3.” He added: “Over the first decade, we project multi-billions of dollars in distributions back to clubs.” Investment will extend beyond the competition itself: “This will be the largest investment in European basketball in its history. We’ll invest in academies, grassroots development, league operations, marketing, arena infrastructure, which is really needed.”
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