Adam Silver expects NBA to work out deal with EuroLeague

The EuroLeague turned down the NBA’s initial merger proposal. Adam Silver doesn’t sound especially discouraged.

The NBA commissioner said he still expects the sides to reach an agreement as the NBA and FIBA continue developing plans for a European league.

“It’s like any negotiation, it’s ongoing,” Silver said during an interview with CNBC’s Contessa Brewer. “I think it’s too extreme to say it’s a rough patch. We’ve been going back and forth with the EuroLeague.”

EuroLeague shareholders reportedly rejected the first proposal last week, though talks were expected to continue. The next step could involve a revised NBA offer or a counterproposal from the EuroLeague.

Silver’s assessment was considerably more upbeat than the rejected offer might suggest.

“We’re hoping we’ll work something out with the EuroLeague. I think we will,” he said.

Asked whether the NBA intends to proceed with NBA Europe even without an agreement, Silver answered directly. “Yes, but we’re going to get something worked out,” he said.

That leaves the NBA pursuing two things at once: Building its European league and negotiating a way to bring the EuroLeague into the project. Silver clearly prefers an agreement, but he isn’t making one a condition of moving ahead.

Of course, confidence from one side doesn’t settle a negotiation. The EuroLeague’s shareholders still have to find terms they can accept.

Silver is betting that they will. He’s also making clear the NBA has plans either way.