The NBA and FIBA are currently in discussions about launching a new league in Europe aimed at competing with the established Euroleague and other top domestic leagues.
FIBA Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis, confirmed the talks during his year-end press conference on Monday, stating, “There is clear interest (by the NBA) and there are ongoing discussions with FIBA.”
He further elaborated, saying, “We’ve been having and will continue having discussions with … the company that operates the Euroleague.”
Zagklis noted that the idea of creating a competing league has been on the radar for some time, explaining, “It is something that has been on our radar. We tried to bring everyone together. This was not possible. So our job is to continue having serious conversations with our partners at the NBA.”
During the press conference, Zagklis highlighted the current state of European basketball, emphasizing the untapped commercial potential. “Basketball in Europe is punching much below its (weight in) commercial potential,” he remarked.
FIBA believes that partnering with the NBA could greatly enhance the sport’s profile in Europe, particularly through the NBA’s established marketing expertise.
The EuroLeague, currently the dominant professional basketball league in Europe, comprises 18 of the continent’s top teams, split into two tiers. Among these, 13 are permanent members and five must qualify annually.
These permanent members are also shareholders in the league and operate under a license, which, according to Zagklis, will expire after the 2025-26 season.
Some of the top EuroLeague teams, such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, have reportedly been considering the possibility of letting their licenses expire when that time comes.
This move could open the door for the potential establishment of a new league in Europe, one that could rival the current dominance of the EuroLeague.
NBA, FIBA In Talks On New European Basketball League https://t.co/IZwBH3Glsc
— RealGM (@RealGM) December 9, 2024
