Top officials from FIBA, the NBA, and EuroLeague clubs gathered in Geneva this week to discuss the future of European basketball, signaling cautious momentum toward launching a new professional league.
The meeting, held at FIBA’s invitation, included representatives from NBA Europe, EuroLeague shareholders, and marketing partner IMG.
According to Eurohoops reporter Aris Barkas, this was the most extensive dialogue yet, with every EuroLeague A-license club attending except CSKA Moscow.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director George Aivazoglou, and FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa were all present.
Discussion topics included FIBA national team windows and the NCAA’s letter of clearance rule, both of which affect international player movement and availability.
While the tone was described as “positive,” skepticism emerged when EuroLeague clubs were told they would need to pay a participation fee to join the proposed project.
Talks follow a March announcement that FIBA and the NBA plan to co-launch a new European men’s league as early as the 2026–27 season.
The vision includes integrating existing national teams into a new competition model that combines permanent franchises with merit-based qualifiers.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Zagklis previously confirmed the initiative, highlighting the plan as a way to build on Europe’s long-standing basketball heritage.
They emphasized infrastructure development, financial investment in youth academies, and expanded reach as key benefits of the joint venture.
The NBA’s track record in launching international projects, including the Basketball Africa League, has fueled speculation that this effort could reshape European basketball.
Despite the optimism, EuroLeague remains a significant power in the continent’s basketball structure and has traditionally resisted external control over its competition model.
With NBA influence rising and FIBA continuing to push for calendar reform and stronger global alignment, this week’s meeting could mark a pivotal moment.
