Adam Silver on NBA Europe: Plans for New League, FIBA & EuroLeague Cooperation

NEW YORK – The NBA continues to lay the groundwork for a potential European league, with Commissioner Adam Silver reiterating the league’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and emphasizing the importance of collaboration with existing European basketball structures. Silver’s comments, made following a recent Board of Governors meeting, signal a strategic shift toward integrating with, rather than competing against, established European basketball entities like the EuroLeague, and FIBA.

During a discussion about NBA Europe, Silver detailed the progress made in exploring the feasibility of a new league. According to Silver, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum provided an update to the Board of Governors regarding the creation of a new league in Europe, though no formal votes were taken. JPMorgan Chase and Raine Group are actively involved, engaging with potential investors across 12 different European markets. “More than 100 organizations are involved in this process,” Silver stated, highlighting the significant enthusiasm surrounding the project. “There’s enormous enthusiasm, we have open dialogues going on with existing basketball companies in Europe, through FIBA, the various national leagues, and the EuroLeague.”

The NBA’s interest in Europe isn’t simply about establishing a new league. it’s about unlocking a largely untapped market. As Silver has previously noted, the commercial development of basketball overseas hasn’t kept pace with its growth in the United States. The lack of state-of-the-art arenas in many European cities, as highlighted in a September 2025 report, presents a challenge, but one the league believes can be overcome with strategic investment and partnerships. The potential for cross-competition between NBA and European teams, including exhibition games and a potential “NBA Cup” style tournament, remains a key component of the long-term vision.

A Collaborative Approach: NBA, FIBA, and the EuroLeague

A central theme of Silver’s remarks was the belief that a collaborative approach with the EuroLeague is the most beneficial path forward for basketball in Europe. He specifically mentioned Chus Bueno, a former NBA colleague, and expressed his conviction that uniting forces with the EuroLeague would be the optimal strategy. “I believe that, for the good of European basketball, the best solution would be to join forces with the EuroLeague,” Silver said. “We have therefore developed a systematic approach to promote this sport throughout Europe. This means integrating the national championships, collaborating with the EuroLeague and with FIBA.”

This stance represents a potential departure from earlier speculation about a more independent NBA-run league. Instead, the NBA appears to be leaning towards a model that leverages the existing infrastructure and fan base of the EuroLeague, while injecting capital and expertise to further elevate the sport. The integration of national championships into this framework suggests a broader effort to strengthen the entire European basketball ecosystem, not just the top-tier clubs.

The financial backing for this ambitious project is substantial. According to reports from December 22, 2025, franchise values in a potential European league could exceed $1 billion. JPMorgan and Raine Group have already engaged with over 70 potential investors, with plans to solicit nonbinding bids in March. The NBA Board of Governors is expected to vote on green-lighting the league at their meeting this month, sources indicate.

Timeline and Potential Launch Date

While a firm timeline remains fluid, Silver indicated a potential launch window of 2027 or 2028. Speaking at a conference hosted by Front Office Sports, Silver acknowledged that a 2027 start would be “ambitious, no doubt about it,” but didn’t rule it out. He also suggested that he wouldn’t want to delay the launch beyond 2028, recognizing the current momentum and opportunity. The proximity to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics was also mentioned as a potentially advantageous timing factor.

The league is also considering utilizing existing arenas across Europe initially, while simultaneously planning for the construction of more modern facilities. This phased approach would allow the league to establish a presence quickly while addressing the infrastructure challenges Silver previously identified. The logistical considerations of travel between Europe and North America, particularly for potential playoff matchups, are also being addressed, with advancements in aviation technology offering promising solutions.

For fans, this development signals a potential future where the best basketball talent from both sides of the Atlantic regularly compete against each other. The prospect of NBA teams playing regular-season games in European cities, and European teams potentially qualifying for the NBA playoffs, is a tantalizing vision that could reshape the global basketball landscape. The NBA’s commitment to a collaborative approach suggests a long-term investment in the growth of the sport, not just as a business venture, but as a global community.

The next key checkpoint will be the NBA Board of Governors vote in March, which will determine whether the league moves forward with the creation of NBA Europe. Archysport will continue to provide updates as this story develops.