Pau Gasol has publicly reinforced confidence in the NBA’s planned European expansion, stating in comments reported by Mundo Deportivo that “NBA Europe is not just a proposal; I believe it will become a reality.” The league is targeting an October 2027 launch for the first season.
Gasol, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and former FC Barcelona player, highlighted the structural purpose of the project. He described it as a model aimed at long-term growth, sustainability, and stronger financial stability for elite European basketball.
According to the same audio report, Gasol emphasized that the proposed league could impact the wider basketball ecosystem beyond competition. He noted potential benefits for domestic leagues, youth development programs, and federations across Europe.
The NBA’s expansion process is now entering a decisive financial stage. Reports indicate that more than 120 investors and groups submitted non-binding expressions of interest during the earlier phase, covering potential franchise locations across major cities.
Initial franchise valuations discussed in the process have ranged from around $500 million to more than $1 billion. Cities including London, Paris, Milan, Berlin, Madrid, and Rome remain central to the proposed structure, which is expected to feature 10 to 12 permanent franchises.
However, the project is also facing structural uncertainty. Sources cited earlier by Mundo Deportivo indicate that established EuroLeague clubs have not yet submitted binding offers, creating questions about the participation of traditional European basketball powers.
One key case is Real Madrid, which remains undecided about its long-term position between existing EuroLeague competition and the NBA-backed proposal. That uncertainty is considered significant given the club’s commercial influence in European basketball.
Financial concerns and governance differences remain central discussion points. The NBA model proposes a franchise-based system, contrasting with Europe’s promotion-and-relegation structure, a difference that continues to shape negotiations with stakeholders.
With binding investment offers expected in early June, the NBA Europe project is approaching a critical decision point. The outcome of this phase is expected to determine whether the league launches with broad European backing or shifts toward a more gradual rollout strategy.
