Expanding the Game Across the Atlantic

The NBA, working with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), has revealed plans for a new professional basketball league in Europe, set to shake up the sport. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis say the league would have 16 teams, with 12 having permanent spots and four earning their place through performance. The league would feature European clubs, not NBA teams, and follow FIBA rules, like 40-minute games, to respect European basketball traditions. Still in early planning, the league won’t start before 2026, but it’s already sparking debate about its impact on the existing EuroLeague and whether the two can coexist.

The goal is to tap into Europe’s huge basketball fanbase, where it’s the second most popular sport with millions of fans. The NBA sees a chance to make big money—up to €3 billion a year, according to reports like the Raine Group’s, far more than the EuroLeague, which struggles with financial losses. The new league aims to improve sports facilities and create a sustainable model with a salary cap and shared revenue. FIBA’s involvement ensures respect for national leagues and international schedules, like FIBA Qualifiers. Big clubs like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Fenerbahçe, ASVEL Basket, and even soccer giants like Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City might join. However, the EuroLeague could lose sponsors, fans, and players to the new league, making it hard for both to thrive together.

The NBA’s interest comes from its global expansion strategy and the growing impact of European players, with 15% of NBA players from Europe and five of the last six MVPs being European. Europe is a massive market, and the NBA’s success with projects like the Basketball Africa League and a $76 billion TV deal through 2036 fuels its ambition. But the EuroLeague sees the new league as a threat, as it could steal top clubs, players, and sponsors. Compatibility is uncertain—overlapping schedules and player fatigue could cause issues. The NBA and FIBA want to work with European clubs, but without a deal to merge or coordinate, the two leagues may struggle to coexist.