Bill Simmons has laid out a detailed vision for what an NBA-backed European basketball league could look like, suggesting the project could launch as early as the 2026–27 season.
On The Bill Simmons Podcast, the analyst named London, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Paris, Berlin, and a Greek franchise as the likely core of a potential NBA Europe league.
Simmons said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver “has those seven in his pocket,” and suggested Tony Parker’s French team, an Istanbul club, and even Manchester City’s basketball affiliate could bring the total to 10 teams.
According to Simmons, discussions are already focused on how the league would differentiate itself from the existing EuroLeague model, which is governed by Euroleague Commercial Assets and features A, B, and C licenses.
He said the NBA’s version would eliminate relegation and offer guaranteed league spots, better sponsorship packages, and stronger television distribution than the current EuroLeague format.
The NBA has reportedly enlisted JPMorgan Chase and Raine Group to structure the financial framework of the league, with entry fees projected between $500 million and $1 billion, as first reported by Sports Business Journal.
Simmons emphasized that while NBA expansion within the United States had been considered inevitable, the league’s record-setting $76 billion media deal may have changed priorities.
“This is the apple of their eye right now,” Simmons said, noting recent meetings between Silver and European stakeholders, despite little official acknowledgment.
The NBA has already scheduled preseason games in cities like Paris, London, and Manchester, laying the groundwork for market presence ahead of a formal launch.
Simmons floated the possibility of intercontinental competitions, such as round-robin events or champion-vs-champion series between NBA and NBA Europe teams, to build cross-league synergy.
He also speculated that the European league could serve as a transition platform for NBA veterans, potentially offering unique incentives like ownership stakes to attract established talent.
Citing his experience watching Luka Doncic with Real Madrid, Simmons said European basketball has a strong foundation in terms of crowd energy and stylistic play but lacks top-tier talent depth.
League officials believe upgrading arenas with luxury suites and enhanced fan experiences is crucial to unlocking revenue in Europe, a region they consider commercially underdeveloped relative to its potential.
Still, skepticism remains among EuroLeague executives, with some citing the proposed franchise fees as prohibitive and warning of potential market fragmentation.
NBA executives maintain that the plan is flexible and contingent on meeting financial and structural goals. A team governor present at the recent Board of Governors meeting described the NBA Europe initiative as a “very high priority.”
If successful, the NBA’s European expansion would mark its most ambitious global move to date.
