The NBA and FIBA have revealed intentions to launch a 16-team professional basketball league in Europe as early as 2027. The league will feature 10 permanent teams and four rotational spots modeled after European soccer's relegation system. This move aims to capitalize on basketball's growing popularity across the continent.
In December, the NBA, in partnership with FIBA, announced plans to establish a new professional basketball league in Europe, potentially starting as early as 2027. The initiative seeks to expand the NBA's global footprint amid rising interest in the sport. Leah MacNab, NBA Senior Vice President and Head of International Strategy, outlined the structure to USA TODAY Sports: "We are planning to launch a 16-team league with 10 permanent teams and at least four rotational spots."
The rotational spots will function similarly to relegation systems in European soccer leagues, providing a merit-based pathway for teams from lower divisions to compete at the highest level. MacNab explained, "It is a very European system. We want to introduce a merit-based pathway into the league so that even teams in lower leagues can have the opportunity to play at the highest level of competition."
No discussions with potential teams or owners have occurred yet, as such talks would be unlawful at this stage. The process to identify participants is set to begin soon. Basketball's appeal in Europe is evident, with the sport ranking as the second-most popular, boasting over 270 million fans. European players dominate NBA attention, including top preseason MVP favorites like Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, alongside San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama. On NBA social media, Dončić from Slovenia leads with over 845 million views, followed by Wembanyama from France with more than 708 million.
The new league will not immediately affect NBA expansion to Europe or international player signings, which will retain current systems. Higher NBA salaries are expected to continue drawing talent stateside, though players may opt to stay in Europe. Future plans include more NBA preseason games in Europe and possible tournaments between the leagues, though details remain under development.
This development underscores the NBA's strategy to nurture international growth, building on events like this year's All-Star Game themed around USA versus the world.