The NBA and FIBA are moving forward with plans to establish a new professional men’s basketball league in Europe. The announcement follows more than a year of discussions with investors, teams, arena developers, and commercial partners.
According to a joint statement, the proposed league aims to integrate with the existing European basketball structure. Teams would continue participating in their national leagues while also competing in the newly envisioned competition.
The league would feature a mix of permanent franchises and clubs that qualify through merit-based pathways. This approach seeks to strengthen European basketball while maintaining the competitive integrity of domestic leagues.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis confirmed the initiative following the NBA Board of Governors meeting in New York and the FIBA Executive Committee meeting in Switzerland.
Zagklis highlighted the historical significance of European basketball, emphasizing its seven-decade tradition of international club competitions. He noted that the sport’s growing popularity and national team success indicate significant untapped potential at the club level.
“A new league in Europe would combine the NBA’s business acumen with the international expertise of FIBA,” Zagklis stated. He added that the collaboration could attract new fans, maximize club benefits, and create synergies across the basketball ecosystem.
Silver echoed these sentiments, describing the partnership as a natural step in expanding the sport’s global reach. “The NBA and FIBA are uniquely positioned to build on the rich tradition of European basketball,” he said.
Beyond competition, the NBA and FIBA plan to invest in the development of European basketball infrastructure. Financial support and resources will be dedicated to club academies and existing programs that nurture young players, coaches, and referees.
This initiative aligns with the NBA’s broader strategy to expand its global presence. The league has successfully launched international ventures such as the Basketball Africa League (BAL), which debuted in 2021.
Europe has long been a key source of elite basketball talent, producing NBA stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and Nikola Jokić. A professional league backed by the NBA and FIBA could provide further development opportunities for future European prospects.
The announcement marks a significant step in reshaping European club basketball. While details regarding the league’s format, participating teams, and commercial structure are yet to be finalized, discussions will continue in the coming months.
The NBA and FIBA have committed to providing additional updates as plans progress. If successful, this initiative could redefine the European basketball landscape and expand the sport’s reach to new audiences.
