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NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director George Aivazoglou has said Istanbul could play an important role in the new European league project that the NBA and FIBA plan to set up together, with the competition targeted to tip off in October 2027.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Aivazoglou said the project had drawn strong interest from Türkiye, particularly Istanbul, as preparations continue with potential clubs, investor groups and business partners.
"We believe Istanbul can be one of the building blocks of this new league," he said.
Aivazoglou said Istanbul's sports culture, large fan base and international reach make the city a strategic market for the planned league.
He argued that Türkiye should be one of the key countries in any possible transformation of European basketball, pointing to Istanbul's established basketball environment and its ability to bring together clubs, supporters and commercial interests.
The joint initiative is being developed by NBA, the American professional basketball league, and FIBA, basketball's international governing body.
Aivazoglou noted that negotiations are ongoing with clubs and investors prepared to inject billions of dollars into European basketball. He emphasized that financial capability is only one aspect of the selection process, as the league is prioritizing partners who share a cohesive, long-term operational vision.
Under the proposed financial structure, approximately 90% of the revenue generated during the league's first decade will be redistributed directly to the clubs. Aivazoglou added that capital raised from initial franchise sales is expected to catalyze an unprecedented wave of investment across the European basketball landscape.
Aivazoglou said a stronger financial structure could encourage young European players to build their careers in Europe instead of moving to the U.S. college system.
He added that the NBA's global marketing reach and league management experience could create new opportunities for European basketball.
Aivazoglou said talks with Galatasaray have been constructive, adding that the club's long-term approach to basketball fits in with the NBA's vision.
He also noted that Istanbul is home to other major clubs, including Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Anadolu Efes, underlining the depth of the city's basketball scene.
Aivazoglou said the NBA and FIBA are still holding talks with EuroLeague management as they look for a solution that includes all stakeholders in European basketball.
However, he also said the project is ready to move ahead with existing partners and investors if those talks do not produce a result.
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