Hall of Fame center Pau Gasol addressed speculation about his potential role in the NBA’s proposed European league during a public appearance at the NBA Total Health All-Star Walk in Inglewood on Sunday. Gasol emphasized that no formal position has been defined, but he is actively engaged in discussions with the NBA, FIBA, and European clubs.
The retired Lakers star confirmed he has been participating in high-level meetings with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, European clubs including FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, and potential investors exploring NBA Europe. Gasol described the initiative as a chance to grow basketball in Europe while ensuring a sustainable model for clubs.
“This is about creating a new venture together,” Gasol told Mundo Deportivo. “It’s about the ecosystem, the grassroots, the domestic leagues, and the impact on children. There’s so much at stake, and that’s why I’m excited to be part of it.”
Gasol also addressed questions regarding a possible involvement with FC Barcelona, where he developed in La Masia. He said any future role would depend on the club understanding the NBA Europe concept and collaborating with the league on implementation. He stressed that external investment might be necessary due to the projected entry costs of €430–860 million per franchise.
The former All-Star highlighted the importance of creating a financially sustainable model for European basketball. He explained that NBA Europe could offer a unified structure for clubs currently operating under fragmented domestic leagues, allowing for growth while maintaining competitive integrity.
The NBA is positioning the league as a long-term investment in Europe, targeting major markets including London, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Istanbul, and Athens. Reports suggest franchise valuations could reach up to $1 billion, with private investors, sovereign wealth funds, and existing NBA owners expressing strong interest.
Commissioner Silver has noted that roughly 15% of current NBA players are European, emphasizing the region’s talent pipeline. He also stressed that NBA Europe would coordinate with domestic leagues and international windows, while offering merit-based opportunities through competitions such as the Basketball Champions League.
The project remains in early stages, but Gasol is optimistic about its potential impact. “We have the opportunity to create a different model with growth and sustainability,” he said. “Basketball is a global sport, and this is a chance to expand its experience and spectacle in Europe.”
