NBA and FIBA Announce Plans for New European Basketball League

In late March 2025, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced plans to explore the creation of a new professional basketball league in Europe. This initiative aims to establish a 16-team competition, potentially featuring 12 permanent franchises in major European cities and four additional teams qualifying annually based on performance. The league would operate under FIBA rules, with games lasting 40 minutes, and seeks to merge the NBA's business acumen with FIBA's international expertise to tap into Europe's basketball market.

Discussions are ongoing with prominent European football clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, about backing new basketball teams. The proposed league could rival the existing EuroLeague, prompting varied reactions from stakeholders. FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis emphasized the untapped potential in European club basketball, while NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted the opportunity to build on Europe's rich basketball tradition. The timeline for the league's launch remains unspecified, with further discussions planned with potential investors, media partners, and European clubs.

The announcement has elicited varied reactions from key stakeholders in European basketball. Paulius Motiejunas, CEO of the EuroLeague, expressed concerns about the NBA's plans, emphasizing the strength and future plans of the current EuroLeague. He stated, "We don't need a savior," highlighting that the noise generated by potential changes does not benefit European basketball.

Antonio Jesús López Nieto, president of Unicaja, acknowledged the financial challenges faced by many clubs in the EuroLeague and suggested that the NBA's proposed structure could offer a more viable option with better economic distribution. He also mentioned the possibility of a third league integrating teams from the EuroLeague, Basketball Champions League (BCL), and EuroCup.

Chus Mateo, coach of Real Madrid, praised the competitiveness of the EuroLeague, calling it a "magnificent competition." Despite uncertainties about Real Madrid's future participation due to the NBA's European plans, he emphasized the physical and mental demands of the current league.

The proposed league could significantly impact the European basketball landscape. The new league might rival the existing EuroLeague, potentially leading to fragmentation or necessitating adaptation by current leagues. Discussions are ongoing with prominent European football clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, about backing new basketball teams. This could introduce substantial financial resources and alter the competitive balance. The influx of investors, particularly from regions like Qatar and Abu Dhabi, raises concerns about the sustainability and traditional structures of European basketball. There is apprehension that teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona might lose their dominant positions.

This is not the first time the NBA has considered expanding into Europe. In January 2025, reports indicated that the NBA explored a partnership with the EuroLeague, which was ultimately declined. The current initiative represents a more direct approach to establishing a presence in the European market.

As the NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver has been instrumental in the league's global expansion efforts. He emphasized the opportunity to build on Europe's rich basketball tradition through this new league. Serving as FIBA's Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis highlighted the untapped potential in European club basketball and the benefits of combining NBA and FIBA expertise. Established in 2000, the EuroLeague is Europe's premier basketball competition, featuring top clubs from across the continent. It operates independently and has been the primary platform for European club basketball.

The NBA and FIBA's proposed European basketball league has sparked significant discussion and debate within the basketball community. While the initiative aims to enhance the sport's reach and commercial viability in Europe, it also raises questions about the future of existing competitions and the traditional structures of European basketball. As discussions continue, stakeholders will need to navigate these complexities to ensure the growth and sustainability of the sport across the continent.