By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Experienced executive Marshall Glickman emerged as a central figure in a bid for a London-based franchise in the NBA Europe project. According to reporting by City AM on Thursday, Glickman is part of an investment group vying for one of 12 permanent spots in the proposed league, ahead of a March 31 deadline for financial offers.
Glickman’s involvement provides the London bid with significant institutional weight. Having served as president of the Portland Trail Blazers and Oregon Arena Corporation, as well as holding key roles as NBA Broadcasting Coordinator and Director of Media Sales for NBA Properties, he has spent two decades navigating the European sports ecosystem as a business advisor to Euroleague Basketball via his firm, G2 Strategic. His resume includes advisory roles for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as a recent stint as acting CEO of Euroleague Basketball between 2022 and 2023. Notably, his leadership of the GBBL from 2025 to 2026 signaled a long-term commitment to restructuring British basketball, despite the project stalling following the liquidation of the British Basketball Federation.
The new continental league, backed by FIBA and the NBA, targets an October 2027 launch. With team valuations estimated between $500 million and $1 billion, the league plans to anchor 16 teams in major European hubs. Beyond London and Manchester, targeted markets include Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Berlin, and Athens.
To balance commercial stability with competitive integrity, the league will reserve 25% of its field for merit-based entries. For the inaugural 2026–27 season, four open slots will be awarded to the finalists of the Basketball Champions League and the top performers from a season-ending qualification tournament.