The NBA’s European ambitions may be moving closer to becoming an actual basketball league rather than an idea discussed in hotel ballrooms.
In fact, the league is targeting 2027 for the launch of NBA Europe, its proposed new competition with FIBA. Reuters reported this week that the plan calls for a 16-team league, with 10 to 12 permanent franchises and additional spots available through qualification.
In other words, the NBA isn’t simply looking to send more teams overseas for regular-season games. Commissioner Adam Silver and the league have been working toward a permanent European operation, potentially featuring established clubs alongside newly created franchises in major markets.
Any such plan would have enormous implications for the existing EuroLeague structure. In fact, EuroLeague officials are now considering whether to partner with the NBA or continue independently, which could put the two competitions in direct competition.
And plenty still has to happen. Ownership groups need to be finalized, markets selected and the relationship with EuroLeague sorted out.
Still, this isn’t the NBA kicking around expansion over lunch anymore. NBA Europe is starting to look like something that actually may become a reality, and perhaps as soon as next year.
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