Paris Saint-Germain has confirmed its interest in joining the NBA’s proposed European league, signaling a major shift in the continent’s basketball landscape. The French football club, owned by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), acknowledged discussions with NBA executives about the possibility of acquiring or creating a franchise in Paris.
A PSG spokesperson told Le Parisien, “We have expressed interest,” following reports that the NBA reached out to QSI regarding a potential partnership. Several options are on the table, including purchasing an existing Paris-based team or forming a new independent franchise with other investors.
One primary target is Paris Basketball, a club currently competing in the EuroLeague and founded by former NBA executives in 2018. The franchise has experienced rapid financial growth this season, with its budget soaring to €18.9 million—a 104% increase from the previous year. Paris Basketball’s owner, Eric Schwartz, is reportedly in Europe, further fueling speculation about a potential sale. Another scenario being explored is a completely new franchise, with the NBA suggesting that PSG lend its name to the project.
The NBA is accelerating efforts to establish a European league, with Commissioner Adam Silver set to present plans to the Board of Governors this week. According to The Athletic, the proposed league could debut as early as 2026 and feature 16 teams, including franchises in Paris and London, as well as top clubs from the EuroLeague.
Several EuroLeague powerhouses, including Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Fenerbahce Istanbul, and ASVEL have been identified as potential defectors. While no official agreements have been made, multiple sources confirm that discussions are gaining momentum.
The NBA intends to structure the league so that it retains a 50 percent ownership stake, while franchise owners control the remaining 50 percent. Each permanent franchise slot is expected to cost at least $500 million, with external investors—including sovereign wealth funds and private equity firms—seen as preferred buyers.
A report from El Español states that the NBA will partner with FIBA Europe, rather than the EuroLeague, to establish the new competition. The format is expected to be semi-open, with eight to ten fixed franchises and additional teams qualifying annually through FIBA tournaments.
Potential cities under consideration for new teams include London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Rome, Milan, and Berlin. The league may also introduce a preseason tournament featuring matchups between NBA teams from the U.S. and their European counterparts.
The financial potential of the league is substantial, with the NBA estimating that the European and Middle Eastern basketball markets could generate up to $3 billion in annual revenue. This projection highlights why global investors, including QSI, are closely monitoring the project.
While the NBA has previously explored partnerships with the EuroLeague, those efforts never materialized. Now, with FIBA Europe on board, the league appears to be taking concrete steps toward expansion.
If PSG officially commits to an NBA-backed franchise, it could mark a turning point for European basketball, blending American-style commercialization with the continent’s rich basketball tradition.
