The NBA is actively exploring the creation of a European basketball league in partnership with FIBA, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced on Thursday.
Speaking alongside FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis after the NBA Board of Governors meeting in New York, Silver emphasized that discussions are still in the exploratory phase, but there is strong interest from NBA team owners.
Key Details of the Proposed League
- The league would feature 16 teams, including 12 permanent clubs and 4 qualifying teams each season.
- It would maintain FIBA’s 40-minute game format rather than the NBA’s 48-minute structure.
- While no teams have been confirmed, reports suggest early discussions with owners of top European soccer clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester City.
Silver: “Now is the Time”
Silver expressed confidence that Europe is ready for a premier basketball league, citing growing global interest and strong existing club brands.
“In some cases, those existing clubs have huge global brands, even if they were built through soccer rather than basketball,” Silver said.
FIBA Sees the Timing as Perfect
FIBA’s Andreas Zagklis also backed the initiative, citing basketball’s rising popularity in Europe, especially after record-breaking FIBA World Cup and Olympic tournaments.
“We believe it is the right time to take the next step for club basketball,” Zagklis added.
What’s Next?
For the league to move forward, it would require a vote by the NBA Board of Governors. The NBA previously signaled its interest in expanding to Europe, with Silver mentioning in January that the idea was under serious consideration.
If approved, this move could revolutionize European basketball, creating a structured and competitive league under the NBA’s leadership while working within FIBA’s existing framework.
