By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA continues to make significant progress on its international footprint, with commissioner Adam Silver confirming that plans to launch a 16-team league in Europe are moving forward precisely on schedule. Developed as a joint effort with FIBA, the global governing body, the prospective league is aiming for a tipoff in the near future, heavily bolstered by the rising global popularity of European players like San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.
“We have been pursuing an independent league in Europe, we are very much on schedule,” he stated on Wednesday, shortly before tipoff in the NBA Finals 2026, with Game 1 between the Spurs and New York Knicks at the Frost Bank Center. “It is our hope and anticipation that the league will launch in the 2027-28 season in Europe. We are on track. Final bids from franchises are due at the end of this month, at the end of the month in June. As has been reported, we have seen record interest. We are very excited about the ongoing opportunity and working closely with FIBA, our federation.”
The NBA Europe projected structure involves 12 permanent member clubs and four rotating slots reserved for qualifying teams. While the league is fully prepared to advance on its own timeline, conversations are actively taking place to potentially collaborate with existing continental structures, including Euroleague Basketball. “Discussions are ongoing with them. It’s our hope that we can find a way to integrate these operations with the Euroleague, but we will move forward either way,” mentioned Silver, noting that the league expects to be in a position to formally award European franchises this fall.
The international expansion strategy heavily capitalizes on the modern media landscape and the unprecedented global appeal of international talent. Silver emphasized how the shift in media consumption has allowed players from all backgrounds to thrive on the world stage, regardless of their market size. “The country and the world have changed in dramatic ways because of digital media. It would be hard to argue that Victor Wembanyama is not getting the global attention he deserves because he’s playing in a small market,” he observed.
Closer to home, the NBA is concurrently evaluating domestic growth options within the United States. Multiple investment groups have expressed strong interest in securing expansion franchises for Seattle and Las Vegas. The 64-year-old executive indicated that the league’s board of governors remains firmly committed to determining whether or not to proceed with a North American expansion by the end of the current calendar year.
Simultaneously, the league office is pushing for a conclusion to its independent investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers. The inquiry centers on whether a $28 million corporate endorsement contract for forward Kawhi Leonard violated strict salary cap guidelines. Silver acknowledged the urgent need for a swift resolution for the benefit of all franchises.
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