NBA Confirms Plans to Explore European Basketball League with FIBA Partnership

The league, targeting a 2026-2027 launch, could include 12 permanent franchises and 4 rotating members, raising questions about its impact on the EuroLeague.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the league's intent to explore creating a European basketball league in collaboration with FIBA, marking a significant step in the NBA's global expansion strategy.
The proposed league structure includes 12 permanent franchises and 4 rotating members, with a semi-closed model resembling the Basketball Africa League and other recent sports initiatives.
Major European cities such as Paris, Madrid, London, and Berlin are being targeted for franchises, with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), owners of PSG, expressing interest in a Paris-based team.
The league could launch as early as the 2026-2027 season, with an estimated franchise entry fee of $500 million, reflecting the high financial stakes involved.
The EuroLeague's role remains uncertain as discussions continue, with concerns about potential competition and disruption to the traditional European basketball ecosystem.