By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA is moving forward with plans to launch a new league in Europe, widely referred to as NBA Europe. Commissioner Adam Silver detailed the blueprint during a CNBC appearance in Macao, where the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks opened the NBA China Games 2026 on Friday.
“It’s like any negotiation. It’s ongoing,” he said regarding discussions with continental stakeholders. “We’ve been going back and forth with Euroleague. They’re the existing pan-regional league right now in Europe. On top of that, there’s leagues in every country. It’s hard to believe there are 1,200 professional clubs in Europe. So, EuroLeague is the top-tier competition right now.”
The NBA is fully prepared to build the new league alone if necessary. Despite Euroleague Basketball recently rejecting their initial offer, Silver emphasized that a partnership remains the primary goal, and he expects a resolution.
“We’re hoping we’ll work something out with the Euroleague,” Silver stated.
When asked if the project will continue to progress regardless of Euroleague’s stance, he was brief and certain.
“Yes, but we’re going to get something worked out with them. I think we will,” he mentioned.
Valuations for top markets
The venture backed by the NBA and FIBA is drawing intense financial interest, as detailed by 64-year-old Silver.
“They’re coming in from a combination of existing basketball clubs, some of the big soccer brands in Europe, and then in other markets people are starting clubs from scratch,” he commented on prospective bids. “It’s a combination of all those things. Very positive in terms of valuation.”
“Many hundreds of millions of dollars,” he added on franchise fees. “It’s a sort of once-and-forever opportunity to be the NBA team in London, Paris, Madrid, Munich. Some of the top markets in Europe, some of the top markets in the world, and that’s how people see those opportunities.”
The framework remains to launch NBA Europe at the top of the 2027–28 season featuring a newly structured 16-team format. The inaugural participating field will feature 12 permanent teams, while the remaining four open spots will be allocated to the finalists of the Basketball Champions League and the top teams from a season-ending qualification tournament directly tied to domestic championships.
Make