NBA and FIBA push forward with European basketball expansion plans

The NBA, in conjunction with FIBA, continues to pursue the creation of a new professional European basketball league, targeting a launch for the 2027-28 season. Despite a recent rejection of the initial proposal by EuroLeague shareholders during a meeting in Italy, officials from both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to the project on October 8, 2026. The proposed league aims to feature 16 teams, with identified key markets including London, Paris, Madrid, and Munich.

While the current EuroLeague stakeholders reportedly rejected the offer, claiming it undervalued their existing competition, the NBA remains optimistic about a future agreement. Commissioner Adam Silver noted that while a partnership is the primary goal, the NBA is prepared to proceed autonomously if necessary. The project has attracted significant investor interest, with reports indicating that entry costs for teams could reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Negotiations remain active, as some clubs, such as Barcelona, have expressed a willingness to review a revised proposal, suggesting that the initial rejection does not definitively end the possibility of a deal.