NBA’s European League Initiative Advances as Discussions with FIBA Progress
In a significant step towards the establishment of a new basketball league in Europe, the NBA is actively engaged in discussions with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and other key stakeholders, as confirmed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Speaking at an event in Oklahoma City on a recent Friday—an off day in the NBA Finals—Silver indicated that realizing this ambitious project may take time, estimating that it could be a few years before the league launches, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics potentially serving as a pivotal moment for the debut of this new competition.
“It’s going to be a lengthy process. I can confidently say we’re looking at a timeline of years rather than months,” Silver remarked. “A few years will be necessary before we can start.”
Highlighting the complexity of the undertaking, Silver emphasized the importance of consulting with various relevant parties, including existing leagues, teams, players in Europe, media entities, and marketing partners. “This is no small feat; we want to proceed thoughtfully while engaging all those involved,” he added.
In March, Silver and FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis announced they were taking concrete steps towards creating a new European league, initially targeting 16 teams. Although discussions around this concept have been ongoing for years, Silver noted that they have recently become more productive.
The NBA has initiated direct conversations with the EuroLeague and certain member clubs about potential collaborations. Silver expressed a preference for cooperating with the existing league but acknowledged that it’s premature to define the specifics.
“We recognize a vast number of basketball enthusiasts in Europe who are currently underserved, presenting a valuable opportunity to introduce a league akin to the NBA,” said Silver.
It’s noteworthy that approximately one-sixth of current NBA players come from Europe, including stars like Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), Luka Doncic (Slovenia), and Victor Wembanyama (France)—who have collectively secured five MVP awards over the past seven seasons.
The board of governors for the NBA will discuss the next steps for this European initiative during their meeting in Las Vegas in July. There’s a possibility that an unveiling or even a kickoff for this new league could align with the attention surrounding international basketball at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“That could serve as an excellent backdrop for announcing a new competition,” Silver remarked optimistically.
Cities like London, Manchester, Rome, and Munich have already expressed interest in being part of this new venture. While direct negotiations are yet to occur, Silver mentioned, “Several organizations have come forward showing interest and potential ownership in these major European markets.”