By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Appearing on the Hoop Collective podcast with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on Wednesday, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia shared his outlook on future league expansion, including plans involving Europe.
Although Euroleague Basketball clubs recently rejected NBA’s initial offer, the project is moving toward a 16-team launch for the 2027–28 season.
The 46-year-old businessman dismissed corporate anxiety. “I’m a supporter,” he confirmed. “NBA Europe’s not a competitor of the NBA, but it’s how do we make it the second-best league in the world is how I think about it.”
Ishbia argued that the immediate focus should look past the next couple of years, aiming instead to unite existing international clubs under a single identity. “Europe has a lot of great leagues, and how do we put it together and really make it great? You put the NBA stamp on it,” he explained.
While Euroleague executives remain open to future partnerships, Ishbia believes the priority is cementing the sport’s global footprint. He urged decision-makers to prioritize generational reach and growth over instant returns. “We’ve got to think, instead of saying short-term, we got to think long-term,” he added. “What’s the growth? What’s the plan? How do we make this in 20 years the most dominant and global game like it is right now, but continue to build throughout the world?”
The new league, widely referred to as NBA Europe, is projected to feature 12 permanent clubs. The remaining four spots will be allocated to the Basketball Champions League finalists and the winners of a season-ending qualification tournament directly linked to domestic leagues.
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