NBA Europe plans advance as EuroLeague deal emerges

NBA Europe is moving towards a possible launch in autumn 2027, but its final structure may depend on whether the NBA becomes directly involved in the existing EuroLeague system. The project, developed by the NBA and FIBA, could either bring the competitions closer together or create two rival continental leagues.

The owners of 13 EuroLeague shareholder clubs are due to meet in Milan on October 5 to discuss the future of European basketball. Among the issues expected to be considered is an NBA proposal to take a stake in Euroleague Commercial Assets, the company behind the competition. The proposal could extend to an outright takeover, which would significantly speed up the NBA Europe plan and remove the prospect of direct competition between the two projects.

If the clubs reject the offer, EuroLeague chief executive Chus Bueno’s restructuring plan would continue. That plan includes expanding the competition to 24 clubs as soon as next season. The current 13 shareholders would become permanent franchises, while eight additional teams could purchase places in the competition.

The NBA has already identified Madrid, Barcelona, Lyon and Paris as potential European locations. The outcome of the October meeting will therefore help determine whether the continent moves towards a single NBA-linked structure or keeps separate EuroLeague and NBA Europe competitions.