sports
February 26, 2026
The NBA doesn't just want to build a European basketball league
The NBA hopes to revamp the incentives among European basketball clubs to improve player development and revenue generation.
TL;DR
- NBA plans to launch NBA Europe, a new professional basketball league, by October 2027.
- The league will consist of 10-12 permanent teams in major European markets and 4-6 open spots for qualifying FIBA-affiliated teams.
- Potential permanent team locations include London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Athens, Istanbul, and Berlin.
- The NBA is seeking franchise fees of approximately $1 billion, though some investors are negotiating for lower amounts.
- NBA Europe aims to incentivize European basketball by improving player development, marketing, and fan interest.
- The league will include a 'play yourself into our league' component, allowing teams to earn spots through domestic league wins or tournament performance.
- NBA Europe will operate separately from NBA franchises, without player storage capabilities like the G League.
- There is potential for future collaboration or even a merger between NBA Europe and the EuroLeague.
- NBA Europe could present a significant competitor to the current EuroLeague structure.
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