The NBA and FIBA announced on Monday that they will begin engaging prospective teams and ownership groups in January for a new professional pan-European men's basketball league. The initiative aims to expand basketball's footprint in Europe while aligning with existing domestic and national team schedules. A working target for the league's launch is October 2027.
The announcement marks a significant step in a project that has been in discussion for years, with efforts intensifying around the 2024 Paris Olympics. Earlier this year, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis jointly revealed plans for the league during a New York news conference. Since then, financial advisors JPMorgan and the Raine Group have been brought on to handle economic aspects.
The proposed league will feature permanent spots for established clubs, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich cited as potential members based on recent meetings. It will also provide a merit-based qualification pathway for every team in FIBA-affiliated European domestic leagues, either through the Basketball Champions League or an end-of-season tournament. One model under consideration is a 16-team format, with 12 permanent teams and four qualifying spots.
"Our conversations with various stakeholders in Europe have reinforced our belief that an enormous opportunity exists around the creation of a new league on the continent," Silver said. Zagklis added, "The format of the league respects European sport model principles by offering any ambitious club in the continent a fair pathway to the top."
The NBA and FIBA plan to invest financial support and resources into Europe's basketball ecosystem, including domestic leagues, club academies, and development programs for players, coaches, and referees. Target countries include Britain (London and Manchester), France (Paris and Lyon), Spain (Madrid and Barcelona), Italy (Rome and Milan), Germany (Munich and Berlin), Greece (Athens), and Turkey (Istanbul).
Challenges remain, particularly competing with the established EuroLeague, which requires securing prominent clubs for fan engagement. The league aims to launch in fall 2027, with further updates expected soon. About one in six NBA players hail from Europe, underscoring the region's talent pool.