NBA Explores European League with FIBA Partnership

The NBA is making strides toward launching a new professional men's league in Europe in partnership with FIBA. The league aims to feature permanent teams alongside opportunities for clubs in FIBA-affiliated domestic leagues to qualify through tournaments like the Basketball Champions League.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the enormous potential for this initiative, stating that they are actively pursuing ownership groups and have engaged with over 70 potential investors, including sovereign wealth funds and current European soccer club owners.

Franchise valuations could exceed $1 billion, and the league's calendar will be structured to avoid conflicts with existing domestic and international competitions. The NBA and FIBA plan to receive nonbinding ownership bids in January and will discuss the proposal at the board of governors meeting in March, with the expectation of further updates in the coming months.

This project is seen as a pathway to improve the sustainability of European basketball by enhancing opportunities for players, clubs, and national federations, according to FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis.