As already announced, the launch is planned for fall 2027 and the project envisages permanent teams in 12 cities, including Paris and Lyon. The goal of the NBA and FIBA was to present to potential clubs, investors and international brands their plan for a new league, the details of which are currently being finalized.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that present on stage were Commissioner Adam Silver and his deputy Mark Tatum, as well as Director General Europe, George Aivazoglou, FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and also Tony Parker and Pau Gasol, who should have a key role in the structure, as well as representatives from Nike, Amazon, RedBird and KKR.
“This is a unique opportunity,” Pau Gasol told the audience. “It’s about learning from each other. It’s about creating this new adventure together. Of course, we’re talking about the league, but it goes well beyond that. These are the ecosystem, the development of amateur football, local leagues and the impact on children. … There’s a lot at stake, and that’s why I think this project is so important and impactful, and why I’m so excited to be part of it.
Former football star and AC Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic also spoke:
“I am convinced that if the NBA comes up with an idea and a business model and connects it with European fans, it will be a perfect partnership. »
Basketball and football clubs Olimpia Milan, AC Milan, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, ASVEL, Panathinaikos, Bayern Munich, and Alba Berlin were represented – last week in Berlin, NBA officials met privately with representatives of Fenerbahçe and PSG – as were private equity funds, investment funds and banking institutions interested in investing in the teams, including KKR, RedBird, Lazard, Rothschild, Sixth Street, Blackstone, Arctos, BC Partners, QSI and PIF. Finally, representatives of JP Morgan and Raine Group, the two banks to which the NBA had entrusted an initial advisory phase and which are now participating in the project as potential investors.
“The next weeks and two months will be crucial: the clubs present at the meeting, where they clearly perceived the determination of the NBA and FIBA to move forward, will have to transform their interest into action, while the NBA and FIBA will also have to work behind the scenes. The month of March could be decisive: the idea of this new European league should be submitted to the Board of Governors, the assembly of NBA franchise owners, who will decide whether or not to approve the project. If This is the case, what promises to be a revolution in European basketball could become reality,” writes La Gazzetta.
