The NBA’s plan to launch a European basketball league will proceed without Manchester City or Manchester United, BBC Sport reported Sunday, despite commissioner Adam Silver meeting with both clubs.. The league aims to tap into Europe’s football culture while creating a pan-continental basketball competition.
The NBA plans to pitch investors on the new league, with team valuations projected up to $1 billion. Silver attended regular season games in London and Berlin between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic, cities expected to host future franchises.
Silver highlighted Europe’s potential, noting basketball ranks as the continent’s second-most popular sport behind soccer, with roughly 300 million fans. Approximately 15% of current NBA players are European, emphasizing the region’s influence on the league’s talent pipeline.
Financial backing is already attracting global attention, with Abu Dhabi and Qatar exploring potential franchises. Abu Dhabi considered a Manchester-based team linked to Manchester City ownership, while Qatari investors have examined a Paris franchise tied to PSG.
FIBA confirmed the league will feature permanent franchises while offering merit-based access through the Basketball Champions League or postseason tournaments. Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said the structure aligns with European sports culture, allowing high-performing clubs to earn promotion.
Target cities include London, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Istanbul, and Athens, with projected franchise fees between $500 million and $1 billion. A salary cap will enforce competitive balance, and the schedule will coordinate with domestic leagues and international windows.
