The NBA’s push toward launching a pan-European league is drawing strong reactions from current players, with several stars saying they would consider playing overseas if the project becomes reality.
Commissioner Adam Silver is targeting new franchises in London, Paris, Rome and Manchester, backed by global investment groups, while also exploring partnerships in cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Athens, Istanbul, Berlin, Munich and Lyon.
The league plans to pitch investors on team valuations that could reach $1 billion. Franchise bidding is expected in early 2026, with a projected launch in 2027.
Silver has framed Europe as a scalable market with deep talent roots, noting that roughly 15% of current NBA players are European and that basketball ranks second only to soccer in popularity across the continent, with an estimated 300 million fans.
Charlotte rookie Kon Knueppel said the idea appeals to him. “Yeah, it would interest me a little bit. I think that’s pretty cool,” he said, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
Houston guard Reed Sheppard also expressed openness. “I don’t see why not,” he said. “I think all of Europe is really cool. And, going over there would be cool to visit, but also be able to play basketball for sure.”
New York Knicks All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns offered a measured response. “That’s a great question right there,” he said. “I would (consider playing in NBA Europe). I would. I really, I love international basketball, love playing FIBA basketball as well. Obviously, not better than playing in the NBA. But it would be pretty cool to even see that get off the ground and actually operate. But, possibly, one day to be part of that would be pretty cool.”
Not every contender is ready to make that leap. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell said, “I got to get a championship with the Cavs first before I do anything else, so I guess the answer is no.”
Milwaukee forward Bobby Portis called the concept intriguing but uncertain. “I don’t know, man. I like the states. I like to live here. .. It would be tough for me to go over there. Intriguing, though — super intriguing.”
