Source: The Athletic, March 27, 2025 – by Joe Vardon, Adam Crafton, and Mike Vorkunov
Overview:
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is preparing to formally present a proposal for a new European professional basketball league to the NBA Board of Governors in New York. The initiative, potentially launching in 2026, is still in its conceptual phase but represents the NBA’s most ambitious effort yet to expand globally with a structured presence in Europe.
Key Elements of the Proposal:
- League Composition:
The proposed league could consist of 16 teams, including:- New franchises in major markets such as Paris and London
- Potential defectors from EuroLeague, such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, ASVEL (France), and Fenerbahçe (Turkey)
- Investment Model:
Team investors would own stakes in the league. However, rumors of a $500 million franchise buy-in were dismissed by NBA insiders as speculative. - Promotion/Relegation Considerations:
Unlike the closed structure of the NBA, Silver has indicated openness to exploring European models, with the possibility of some slots earned through success in national leagues or FIBA’s Basketball Champions League. - Governance and Partnerships:
- A formal partnership with FIBA is central to the plan.
- Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General, traveled to New York for the meeting but will not be part of the initial pitch.
- No formal vote is expected at this stage, but Silver is seeking authorization to proceed with formal negotiations.
Potential Franchises and Markets:
- Paris:
Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), owner of Paris Saint-Germain, has expressed interest in owning a basketball team in Paris. This could compete with Paris Basketball, which already plays in France’s domestic league and EuroLeague. - United Kingdom:
London and Manchester are also under consideration. The Manchester City FC ownership group (Abu Dhabi United Group) has shown interest in NBA investment, though sovereign wealth funds are currently limited to a 20% stake in any NBA franchise. - Germany:
Markets like Berlin and Munich are part of the NBA’s long-term expansion vision.
EuroLeague Dynamics & Competitive Landscape:
- Tensions with EuroLeague:
The NBA and EuroLeague have previously held talks, but EuroLeague rejected past partnership attempts. EuroLeague executives are now watching developments closely amid internal uncertainties. - FIBA–EuroLeague Conflict:
FIBA and EuroLeague have had longstanding disputes, including over scheduling conflicts and governance models — factors that may facilitate a pivot toward NBA cooperation.
Adam Silver’s Vision:
Silver has long admired European football’s commercial ecosystem and believes basketball on the continent has untapped marketing potential. Speaking in Paris in January, he emphasized respect for the traditions of European basketball but also the need to adopt best practices from both continents to ensure commercial viability.
“There’s enormous history and tradition here… but we’re taking a fresh look at what the most effective practices are for building a league that works,” Silver said.
What’s Next?
The presentation to NBA owners is a preliminary step. If given the green light, the NBA will intensify negotiations with:
- European club teams
- Private investors
- FIBA
No teams have officially committed to joining the league, and the EuroLeague has not been informed of any defections as of now.
Implications for Global Basketball:
This development could reshape the European basketball landscape, bringing the NBA’s branding power, commercial infrastructure, and governance model into direct interaction — and likely competition — with EuroLeague and domestic federations.
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