The plans for NBA Europe, but also the position of the Euroligi in the new structure, were discussed in a crucial meeting in Geneva, between Fiba, NBA and Euroleague. The new North American competition dedicated to the European continent would debut in season 2027–2028.
For three days, in Barcelona and Geneva, there were intense discussions between the representatives of the three organizations, meant to clarify the structure of the future European basketball.
After these meetings, the NBA Europe plan became more concrete, confirming the direction already announced by the leadership of the American League.
According to information, NBA has transmitted two main ideas to Euroliga clubs:
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The launch of the competition is planned for season 2027–28.
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The new league will have 16 teams, of which 12 with permanent status and 4 qualified annually through sports performance.
These details correspond to the statements of George Aivazoglou, the executive director of the NBA for Europe and the Middle East, who confirmed that the project is in an advanced stage, according to mundodeportivo.com.
Will NBA Europe be in parallel with Euroliga?
This evolution suggests that not all clubs in the current Euroliga will be automatically included in the new project. Some of the teams that have a shareholder status now could lose this privileged position, if they choose to join NBA Europe.
After season 2026–27, the future of the Eurolegi becomes more and more uncertain. The league intends to expand up to 24 teams, but the NBA continues its plans in parallel, already organizing meetings with investors and strategic partners, including in London.
A possible direct confrontation between NBA Europe and Euroliga seems more likely, especially since Real Madrid and Barcelona could play a decisive role.
Euroliga refused the partner
Initially, NBA had proposed a commercial partnership with Euroliga, offering a financial package of 150 million euros in the first season, in exchange for taking over the marketing department of the European competition.
Euroliga, which currently generates about 65 million euros annually, rejected the offer (a decision that, according to sources, tense relations with the American League).
As a result, the NBA decided to go on its own, developing a completely independent project, NBA Europe, under the aegis of FIBA.
Clubs targeted by NBA Europe
Among the teams taken into account for the new league are several clubs in the current Euroliga:
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Fenerbahce, Bayern Munich and Olimpia Milan, as well as other external clubs.
Also discussed the involvement of football clubs with basketball sections, such as PSG or Manchester City.
Currently, the unity of the 13 clubs-action of the Eurolegii is cracked.
Two camps were formed: one that negotiates openly with NBA, and the one that pleads to protect the current competition.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Fenerbahce – no contract after 2026
A significant detail: Real Madrid, Barcelona and Fenerbahce have not renewed their 15-year-olds licenses, which expire in the summer of 2026.
This strategic movement offers them total freedom of decision on their future, depending on how the NBA Europe project will evolve.
Despite public statements, the NBA seems determined to continue unilaterally, preparing the launch of its own European league under FIBA tutelage.
