Newsletters
The NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) reaffirmed Thursday their commitment to launching a new professional men's basketball league in Europe, despite EuroLeague clubs rejecting a proposal to join forces.
In a joint statement, the two organizations said a partnership between EuroLeague, FIBA and the NBA to unify European basketball would "unlock the game's enormous potential across Europe" for the benefit of clubs, players and fans.
They said they remain committed to moving forward with a new professional men's league and will build a stronger, more sustainable basketball ecosystem alongside partners that share their vision of growth, opportunity and the principles of the European sport model.
EuroLeague's 13 shareholder clubs rejected the NBA's proposal to combine competition with the planned NBA Europe project during a meeting Tuesday in Cernobbio, Italy. Cernobbio is a town on Lake Como in northern Italy.
The clubs left the door open to further negotiations on a revised proposal. Barcelona confirmed Wednesday that it had rejected the offer, adding that EuroLeague clubs would reconsider if the NBA amended its terms.
EuroLeague's own statement after the meeting did not name the NBA. It said the clubs met to discuss and align on key strategic decisions about the future of their collective property.
Front Office Sports reported, citing unnamed sources, that Barcelona, Fenerbahce and Olympiacos were among the clubs that voted against the offer.
The outlet also reported that the proposal would have required EuroLeague to pause its expansion plans and valued the league at well below $3 billion. Fenerbahce is based in Istanbul and Olympiacos in Piraeus, the port city of Athens.
AP reported that the NBA was seeking a fee of at least $500 million.
The NBA and FIBA have been developing plans for a new European competition featuring 16 teams, including 12 permanent franchises and four places available through sporting qualification.
The project is targeting a 2027 launch, though the final structure and timetable remain under discussion. The working target has been October 2027.
The qualification route would run through FIBA's Basketball Champions League or an end-of-season tournament, according to AP.
NBA Europe's managing director, George Aivazoglou, has said the likely format is a round-robin in which all teams face each other, followed by playoffs and finals.
Field Level Media, citing a report by The Athletic, said a source considered the October 2027 launch date "impossible" without a deal with EuroLeague.
The outlet listed Istanbul among the reported markets for the permanent franchises, alongside cities including Paris, London, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Athens, Milan, Munich and Berlin.
EuroLeague, which currently features 20 teams, is pursuing its expansion plans, including a possible increase to 24 clubs. Of the 20 teams, 13 are shareholder clubs protected from relegation, while the other seven qualify through other routes.
EuroLeague said it expects a final recommendation on expansion in the coming weeks.
EuroLeague told Reuters before the meeting that it remained open to collaboration, and the news agency reported that talks with the NBA could continue.
Attention now turns to whether the NBA submits a fresh proposal before EuroLeague makes its expansion decisions.
EuroLeague reported in May an 82% increase in television viewership through the first 25 regular-season rounds of the 2025-26 season.
Streaming deals with providers including Amazon Prime have boosted NBA audiences in Europe, and the league played regular-season games in Berlin and London this year. About one-sixth of NBA players are from Europe.
AP also noted that many European clubs, including some in EuroLeague, have struggled financially.
It remains unclear whether the NBA will submit a revised proposal, and neither side has announced a timetable for further talks.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
2 min read
