By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Galatasaray MCT Technic president Dursun Ozbek reaffirmed the club’s intent to enter a new top-tier league, widely referred to as NBA Europe. Speaking at the annual general assembly meeting at the Halic Congress Center on Saturday, he updated members on the organization’s vision.
“Our men’s basketball team started the season with significant goals,” stated Ozbek. “We are continuing discussions with NBA officials and investors regarding the NBA Europe project. I will share good news about this venture with you later this year. Our ultimate aim is to regain our place at the highest level in men’s basketball and achieve sustainable success there.”
The joint venture between FIBA and the NBA has targeted the Istanbul giant to secure a footprint in the region, with club officials confirming active negotiations a few months back.
This new league plans to launch its inaugural season at the start of the 2027–28 winter calendar. The competition will feature 16 teams, including 12 permanent franchises. The remaining four spots will go to the finalists of the Basketball Champions League and the top teams from a season-ending qualification tournament, which links directly to domestic leagues across the continent. Furthermore, a quarter of the field is projected to remain open moving forward, even if expansion increases the total number of participants.
These talks add weight to demanding continental and domestic journeys of the 2026–27 season. A 1-1 record shapes Galata’s situation in the Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi Regular Season. The Lions also sit at 0–1 in Group B of the Champions League Regular Season.
Make 
Your Preferred Basketball Source.
Add Eurohoops to Google