In a landmark move for global basketball, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has taken a significant step towards establishing a new professional men's league across Europe, in partnership with the International Basketball Federation (Fiba).
A New Era for European Basketball
The league, which was first publicly explored in March, would feature a hybrid model combining permanent franchises with an annual qualification pathway. This structure is designed to respect the traditional European sports model while injecting significant new investment. According to a report from CNBC, valuations for these permanent teams could soar beyond $1 billion each.
Bankers from financial giants JPMorgan and the Raine Group have already held discussions with more than 70 potential investors, signalling serious financial backing for the ambitious project. The NBA confirmed on Monday that it is now actively seeking teams and ownership groups to bring the vision to life.
Format Designed for Harmony, Not Conflict
A key principle of the proposed league is its integration with the existing basketball ecosystem. The calendar will be carefully crafted to avoid clashes with domestic league schedules and international windows. This ensures players can represent their clubs in the new competition while still fulfilling commitments to their national teams and domestic leagues.
Clubs from Fiba-affiliated leagues around the continent could earn a place in the new league through performances in the existing Basketball Champions League or a proposed end-of-season tournament. This creates a meritocratic 'fair pathway' to the top level of competition.
Funding Grassroots Growth
The announcement also included a commitment from both the NBA and Fiba to fund the broader development of basketball in Europe. This investment will target the professional, academy, and grassroots levels, aiming to create a sustainable knock-on effect that benefits the entire sport.
"Advancing further this joint NBA-Fiba project is great news for the European basketball community," said Fiba secretary general Andreas Zagklis. He emphasised that the project is conceived to improve the sustainability of the ecosystem for players, clubs, leagues, and national federations alike.
The Road Ahead to Tip-Off
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated that conversations across Europe have reinforced the belief in an "enormous opportunity" for a new continental league. "Together with Fiba, we look forward to engaging prospective clubs and ownership groups that share our vision for the game’s potential in Europe," Silver said.
The timeline for launch is now becoming clearer. According to reports, the league intends to receive non-binding ownership bids in January 2024. A crucial vote to formally green-light the project is then anticipated at the NBA's board of governors meeting in March. Further updates are expected in the coming months as the plan solidifies.
