The NBA and FIBA have reiterated their intention to establish a new professional basketball league in Europe, despite ongoing disagreements with EuroLeague over a potential partnership.
In a joint statement released Thursday, the two organizations emphasized their preference for cooperation while confirming that preparations for the proposed competition will continue.
“A partnership between the EuroLeague, FIBA and the NBA to unify the European basketball ecosystem would unlock the game’s enormous potential across Europe for the benefit of clubs, players and, most importantly, fans. The NBA and FIBA remain committed to moving forward with a new professional men’s league in Europe and helping build a stronger, more sustainable basketball ecosystem alongside partners who share our vision of growth, opportunity and the core principles of the European sports model.”
The announcement follows a recent EuroLeague shareholders’ meeting at Lake Como, where club owners reportedly rejected the NBA’s existing proposal. The terms were considered insufficient even as a basis for further negotiations.
The NBA and FIBA are targeting the 2027–28 season for the introduction of their European competition, which is expected to feature 16 teams.
Under the proposed format, four places would be allocated through pathways involving Basketball Champions League finalists and qualifying tournaments connected to domestic competitions.
Meanwhile, EuroLeague is pursuing its own expansion to 24 teams beginning in the same season, with shareholders reviewing applications for eight additional franchises.
The competing projects could result in two major European basketball competitions operating simultaneously.
European basketball experienced a similar division in the 2000–01 season, when the FIBA-backed SuproLeague and EuroLeague operated separately before reaching an agreement to reunify the competitions.
Although the NBA and FIBA continue to express interest in working with EuroLeague, no agreement has been reached, and it remains unclear whether the organizations can establish a partnership before their planned competitions begin.
