The NBA and FIBA are pressing forward with plans to launch a new professional men’s basketball league in Europe by the autumn of 2027, despite unanimous rejection of their collaboration proposal by EuroLeague shareholder clubs. In a joint statement released on Thursday, the NBA and the International Basketball Federation reaffirmed their commitment to the project, arguing that a unified ecosystem would unlock the continent’s basketball potential for clubs, players, and supporters alike.
EuroLeague Clubs Reject Collaboration Proposal
The push for a transatlantic partnership hit a major wall on Tuesday in Cernobbio, Italy, where the 13 EuroLeague shareholder clubs met and voted unanimously to reject the NBA’s collaboration offer. According to a source close to the negotiations reported by ouest-france.fr, the proposal was deemed “unacceptable.” One participant went further in remarks reported across multiple media outlets, describing the outreach as “colonialist.” Since its formation in 2000, the EuroLeague has operated as the premier cross-border club competition in Europe, establishing deep roots that current club leadership is fiercely protecting against outside restructuring.
Proposed 16-Team Format Versus EuroLeague Expansion
Despite the resistance from established European club leadership, the NBA’s blueprint for the 2027 launch envisions a 16-team competition. Meanwhile, the EuroLeague is plotting its own growth. The incumbent competition plans to expand from 20 to 24 teams for the 2027–2028 season, transitioning its 13 shareholder clubs—whose long-term licenses run through 2036—into official franchise structures, while adding eight new franchises and three invited formations.
Vision for a Unified European Basketball Ecosystem
The NBA and FIBA maintain that their joint initiative remains essential for building a more stable and sustainable foundation for the sport overseas. In their joint statement, the two governing bodies emphasized that they are looking to collaborate with partners who share their core vision regarding growth, commercial opportunities, and the foundational principles of the European sporting model.
