Adam Silver Discusses Financing Prospects with Prospective Supporters of the European League
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is making strides in the creation of a new independent European basketball league that could potentially compete with the existing EuroLeague.
According to reports, the new league, if it comes to fruition, may not allow NBA owners to directly own individual franchises. Instead, the NBA is considering investment and partnerships in Europe, with cities like Manchester, London, Berlin, and Paris identified as target markets for games and potentially franchises.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has emphasized that this league would be separate but related to overall NBA expansion and is part of a broader strategy to globalize the league. The league is expected to be at least a couple of years away from launching, as per Silver's comments during the 2025 NBA Finals.
The NBA will hold regular season games in Europe starting January 2026, including matches in Berlin and London, as well as future games scheduled for Manchester, Paris, and Berlin through 2028. This move is aimed at increasing the league’s European presence ahead of the new league launch.
EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas has expressed concerns about the NBA’s new league, fearing it could create confusion and division among sponsors and fans. He has urged for dialogue and potential cooperation rather than competition, but NBA owners seem prepared to proceed independently if necessary.
There is speculation that the NBA’s new league might link with notable European sports entities, including some existing EuroLeague teams and franchises affiliated with prominent European soccer clubs. Additionally, LeBron James’ business partner Maverick Carter is exploring another global basketball league concept that would include European stops, seeking investors to back the venture.
Adam Silver and Mark Tatum, NBA commissioner and deputy commissioner respectively, are currently in Europe for meetings regarding the planned European basketball league. The meetings involve private equity firms, investment banks, sovereign wealth funds, government officials, and basketball clubs on the continent.
The new league is expected to consist of approximately 12 permanent franchises and four rotating wild-card spots based on performance in other competitions. If EuroLeague teams are offered places in the new league, they might not need to abandon their existing competitions to participate.
The new league will use FIBA rules instead of NBA rules, and it remains unclear what, if any, restrictions the European league would impose on private equity funds' ownership. FIBA did not respond to a request for comment.
The new league, backed by the NBA and FIBA, could potentially have a team based in London, with Adam Silver and Tatum holding talks with interested groups in the city. The WNBA has recently added three expansion teams at a record $250 million fee, signaling the NBA's commitment to growing its global presence.
The agenda of the meetings is private, and no specific investors or government officials have been detailed publicly. However, the market expansion is focused on major European cities and international basketball markets.
- The National Basketball Association (NBA) is considering investing and partnering with private-equity firms for the creation of an independent European basketball league, potentially competing with the existing EuroLeague.
- Reportedly, the new league, if realized, may not allow NBA owners to have direct control over individual franchises; instead, they might invest in cities like Manchester, London, Berlin, and Paris for possible games and future franchises.
- As the NBA seeks to globalize its league, the new European basketball league could potentially link with other sports entities, including some existing EuroLeague teams and soccer clubs, while also using FIBA rules instead of NBA rules.
