The NBA is investigating the creation of a new European basketball league. According to Sportico, league owners will discuss the proposal this week, along with plans to set up a contest featuring 8-10 franchises.
A new era of basketball in Europe?
The proposed league will operate in the “semi-open” format, allowing up to four teams from the Euroleague (Real Madrid, Olympiacos, Partisan Belgrade, etc.) to qualify each season. Additionally, new franchises in major cities such as London and Paris are worth as much as $500 million.
If approved, the NBA will sell the remaining shares to private investors, including sovereign wealth funds, venture capital groups and existing European clubs, while retaining a 50% stake in these permanent franchises. This model reflects the past ownership structure of the WNBA, which moved to independent ownership in 2022.
Focusing on NBA and FIBA partnerships
FIBA Executive Director Andreas Zagklis revealed that he had been having a “serious conversation” with NBA commissioner Adam Silver about the NBA-backed European league in December. The NBA and FIBA partnership has grown in recent years, particularly with the launch of the Africa Basketball League in 2021.
Global talent and market growth
The NBA’s interest in Europe comes when international talent is thriving in the league. This season, 61 European-born players appeared on the opening day roster, including two of the last three MVP winners, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić.
Despite the widespread popularity of basketball in Europe, vice-commissioner Mark Tatum said last October that the sport holds “less than 1% of the commercial market” in the region. He emphasized that there are important “under-developed opportunities” to expand the NBA’s influence and enhance the commercial success of basketball in Europe.
What’s next?
There is no formal voting scheduled, but Sportico reports that owners of NBA teams can vote for the proposal at any time. With the league already hosting regular season games in European cities like Paris, the move to establish a permanent presence in the region seems like a natural next step.
For real-time sports news, expert analysis and exclusive updates, visit danredsports.com!
