The NBA’s dedication to broadening its international appeal has been extensively noted, extending beyond merely hosting exhibition and standard season matchups in diverse nations. Commissioner Adam Silver has frequently addressed the possibility of establishing an NBA Europe league, yet specific details have remained scarce, limited to the league’s desire to initiate such a venture. Nevertheless, certain aspects of the league’s strategies surfaced publicly on Friday when NBA Europe’s managing director, George Aivazoglou, participated in a conference held in Milan, Italy.
Silver has indicated the presence of substantial ownership interest from “numerous prominent and affluent European families, as well as American families and institutions.” Supported by the NBA, this initiative holds significant potential for realization in the near future. Silver had previously suggested 2027 or 2028 as a prospective commencement timeframe. However, Aivazoglou announced on Friday that October 2027 is the designated target date for the league’s inauguration, according to reports from The Associated Press.
Aivazoglou detailed that the existing blueprint for the league encompasses 16 teams, with 12 designated as permanent fixtures. Below is a compilation of the prioritized countries and urban centers considered for team locations, as reported by the AP. The NBA has not yet officially confirmed any of these locations.
- Great Britain: London and Manchester
- France: Paris and Lyon
- Spain: Madrid and Barcelona
- Italy: Rome and Milan
- Germany: Munich and Berlin
- Greece: Athens
- Türkiye: Istanbul
Aivazoglou explained that the remaining quartet of teams would secure their positions in the league through triumphs in either FIBA’s Champions League or based on their standing within their respective national leagues. While no definitive agreements have been established with any cities or existing clubs, it has been suggested that several EuroLeague teams, such as the esteemed Spanish club Real Madrid, would be considered as foundational members.
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Aivazoglou noted that the inaugural season might not showcase all 16 teams right from the start, as the league progressively establishes itself, but that remains the ultimate aspiration.
“Our strategy and involvement within the market are progressing effectively,” Aivagolozu stated. “We are engaged in substantive discussions concerning potential investors.”
Another aspect being explored alongside the league’s formation involves the prospect of NBA teams competing against some of the European squads.
“One initiative we’re likely to implement shortly after the league’s inception is the creation of a new competition,” Aivogolozu shared.
This competition could resemble the FIFA World Cup in structure, but with the distinction that participants would not necessarily represent their native countries.
The establishment of this league would undoubtedly introduce a level of competition for the NBA. Silver has previously voiced that he’s unconcerned about the potential loss of talent to this league, but such an outcome cannot be entirely dismissed. While it might not present an immediate challenge, it’s plausible that some elite international players might opt to remain in Europe instead of pursuing opportunities in the NBA in the United States further down the line.
In theory, this seems like an engaging new endeavor for the league, showcasing the truly international character of basketball. The current season boasts a record-breaking 135 international players on NBA rosters, constituting approximately 30% of the league’s total player base. This fresh league would underscore the significant global interest in basketball, enabling the NBA to expand to a degree comparable only to soccer.
