The NBA is moving forward with plans to establish a new professional basketball league in Europe, aiming to capitalize on underdeveloped markets and expand its global footprint. The initiative, tentatively called NBA Europe, is progressing rapidly with a potential launch as early as next year, according to league officials.
The proposed NBA Europe league would consist of 16 teams, combining 12 established clubs with four spots open to qualification through FIBA tournaments, following a model reminiscent of European soccer leagues. The season would run concurrently with the NBA’s schedule, allowing players to compete for their national teams during international windows.
Unlike traditional NBA expansion, NBA Europe would operate as a separate entity, focusing solely on European markets. Targets for franchise locations include cities such as London, Milan, Rome, Paris, Berlin, Athens, and Istanbul—many of which lack stable first-division Euroleague basketball teams. The league envisions partnerships with current Euroleague clubs, new teams created from scratch, and soccer franchise owners interested in branching into basketball. Sources indicate that over 20 existing basketball and soccer organizations, including some Euroleague members, have already submitted franchise bids.
The NBA sees this league as a means to generate increased revenue for its governors and boost global interest in basketball by providing greater visibility for emerging European talent, comparable to stars like Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted the strategic opportunity, noting the league’s intention to establish a “once-in-forever” professional framework that can enrich the European sports landscape.
Currently, the Euroleague holds a vote scheduled for October 5 to decide whether it will cooperate with or compete against NBA Europe. Regardless of the outcome, the creation of NBA Europe is expected to significantly alter the continent’s basketball ecosystem. While the Euroleague is the more established competition, the NBA brings extensive resources, a proven blueprint, and a strategic approach developed over several years.
Silver emphasized a preference for collaboration but acknowledged the league’s readiness to introduce competition if necessary. “Depending on where we stand with the Euroleague, I do think it’s important that we introduce competition into the market next summer,” Silver said. He described a vision of a stable core of franchises complemented by a rotating qualification system that maintains competitive excitement.
The NBA has already successfully launched the Basketball Africa League and views NBA Europe as part of a broader strategy to invest in player, coach, and official development worldwide. Broadcasting plans include securing lucrative international TV contracts, offering a substantial improvement over the Euroleague’s current limited exposure, especially in the United States.
Some questions remain about how revenue generated by NBA Europe will intersect with existing NBA player agreements, though league officials expect to resolve these issues as the project develops.
With a firm commitment to launching NBA Europe, the NBA aims to redefine professional basketball in the region, opening new avenues for fan engagement, talent growth, and commercial expansion.