The NBA is preparing to pitch investors on a new European league, targeting team valuations of up to $1 billion, Bloomberg reported Monday. Commissioner Adam Silver will attend a pair of regular season games in London and Berlin starting Thursday between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic, cities likely to host future franchises.
Silver said the league sees Europe as a market with scale, talent, and untapped commercial potential, noting basketball is the continent’s second-most popular sport after soccer, with roughly 300 million fans. He emphasized that about 15% of current NBA players are European, underscoring the region’s role in the league’s talent pipeline.
The commissioner pointed to fragmentation as a major obstacle, with domestic leagues operating independently. “Each country has its own leagues — there’s nothing that’s pan-European,” Silver explained, framing the NBA’s interest in a unified, continent-wide competition.
Financial interest in the project is strong, with reports of sovereign wealth funds from Abu Dhabi and Qatar exploring potential franchises. Abu Dhabi has considered a Manchester-based team alongside its ownership of Manchester City, while Qatari investors have examined a Paris franchise linked to PSG.
The NBA plans to hold a private conference in London this month to meet potential sponsors, media partners, and investors, while existing NBA owners have expressed interest in acquiring stakes in European teams. Franchise bidding is expected in early 2026, with a projected league launch in 2027.
FIBA and the NBA have confirmed that the league will feature permanent franchises while maintaining merit-based access for ambitious clubs through the Basketball Champions League or postseason tournaments. Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said the model aligns with European sports culture, offering pathways for high-performing clubs.
Target markets include London, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Istanbul, and Athens, with financial projections placing franchise fees between $500 million and $1 billion. A salary cap will be implemented to ensure competitive balance, and the schedule will coordinate with domestic leagues and international windows.
Silver expressed optimism about momentum and interest in the project. “There’s tremendous interest,” he said. “I think there’s a very good chance we’re going to move forward with something there,” signaling a potential landmark expansion in the NBA’s history.
