Cities including London, Paris, Berlin and Milan are among those exploring franchise opportunities as the NBA weighs permanent and qualifying membership models.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has urged prospective investors in the proposed NBA Europe league to adopt a long-term mindset, warning that the competition is unlikely to deliver immediate commercial returns ahead of a potential October 2027 launch.
Speaking to the media in Berlin on January 15 ,head of the Orlando Magic’s 118-111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, Silver said the NBA is continuing to progress plans for the new league structure, with discussions ongoing with prospective clubs, media partners, and sponsors across the continent.
While reaffirming the NBA’s enthusiasm for the project, Silver acknowledged that NBA Europe would initially resemble a startup venture, requiring patience from its founding participants as the league builds its infrastructure and commercial value.
“We’ve been meeting with clubs that are interested in participating in our league. We’ve been in discussions with other potential stakeholders, including media companies that would like to cover it, potential media partners and traditional sponsors who want to work with us on the league,” Silver said.
“We’re looking at the opportunity to grow the arena infrastructure, not just here in Germany but throughout the continent. It’s something that we’re enormously excited about.”
Current plans suggest the NBA is aiming to create a 16-team league, with 12 permanent spots and four additional places for teams available via qualifying. London, Manchester, Paris, Berlin, Milan, Athens, and Istanbul are just some of the cities interested in establishing an NBA Europe franchise.
Despite Silver’s optimism on the progression in plans, he did caution interested stakeholders to come with a long-term perspective as it may take time once the league is launched for it to become a valuable commercial property.
“The funding would potentially come from, at least initially, the member clubs of the league,” he said. “I think similar to any startup venture, the participants would be the investors, and over time would hope to seek a return.
“I think if we were to successfully launch this new league, it will take a while, I think, before it is a viable commercial enterprise. I think all the participants recognize that this is not for those who have a short-term perspective.”
Barcelona opts out on NBA Europe
Barcelona was targeted as one of the potential European cities to host an NBA Europe franchise, but this now looks unlikely given domestic changes to the EuroLeague.
FC Barcelona’s basketball team, Barcelona Básquet, has renewed its EuroLeague licence for an additional 10 years, according to a report from Eurohoops.
Barcelona’s participation licence was due to expire in 2026, but President Joan Laporta decided to pursue a long-term renewal with EuroLeague. There is no opt-out clause in the contract, which Laporta wanted, in case the NBA Europe league becomes a more attractive proposition.
Eurohoops‘ report also revealed the status of current EuroLeague teams being linked with a move away to NBA Europe.
Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid are reportedly “uncertain” over either renewing with the EuroLeague or moving to NBA Europe, while Fenerbahce Beko has requested an extension to the today’s licence application deadline, to decide which European basketball league it will choose.
