PARIS – Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), the principal owner of Paris Saint-Germain, is actively pursuing a bid to establish a franchise in the forthcoming NBA Europe league, according to reports. The move signals a significant expansion of QSI’s sporting portfolio and a deepening investment in basketball. A spokesperson for QSI confirmed to Agence France-Presse that the organization is “actively engaged in the bidding process,” clarifying that the initiative stems from QSI as an investor, rather than from Paris Saint-Germain Football Club directly.
The potential arrival of a QSI-backed team in NBA Europe has quickly become a central talking point in European basketball circles. The NBA has long identified Paris as a key market for expansion, and this development underscores that strategic focus. The league hosted regular season games in Paris in recent years, demonstrating a commitment to growing its footprint in France. This latest move suggests a more permanent presence is now being seriously considered.
L’Equipe reported that QSI has initiated discussions with both Paris Basketball and Levallois Métropole Basket regarding a potential partnership or acquisition to serve as the foundation for its NBA Europe franchise. The French sports newspaper also noted that purchasing an existing team and securing its sporting rights is another option being explored. As of Thursday, March 12, 2026, no final decision has been made.
This isn’t the first foray for QSI into the world of basketball, though it marks a significant escalation. The organization already has a sponsorship deal with the NBA through its Jordan Brand partnership with Paris Saint-Germain. However, this bid represents a move toward direct ownership and operational control within the league.
The interest from QSI comes after previous consideration of Paris Basketball as a potential candidate. According to Eurohoops, the involvement of former Timberwolves General Manager David Kahn as president of Paris Basketball presented a hurdle in negotiations with the NBA. Sources familiar with the NBA Europe project indicated that Kahn’s presence was a point of contention for the US side.
Conversely, PSG’s established brand recognition and global reach position it favorably in the bidding process. The club is by far the most prominent sports organization in Paris, and its international profile is a significant asset. This is a key distinction, as the NBA seeks to establish franchises with strong local and international appeal.
Adding another layer to the potential involvement, minority owner of PSG, Kevin Durant, has previously discussed the possibility of an NBA team in Paris. Durant’s connection to the city and the league adds further weight to the bid.
The Accor Arena, which hosted Olympic basketball in 2024, is widely considered the likely home venue for any Parisian NBA Europe franchise. Interestingly, PSG previously operated a basketball team that played at the Accor Arena from 1992 to 2000, before financial difficulties led to its disbandment. The current ownership, backed by QSI’s financial resources, aims to avoid a similar fate.
Although PSG appears to be a frontrunner, competition for a franchise in Paris is expected to be fierce. Reports suggest that ASVEL Villeurbanne, owned by Tony Parker, is also a strong contender. Sources indicate that the NBA could potentially accommodate as many as three teams based in France, reflecting the country’s growing importance to the league’s international strategy.
The NBA Europe project represents a bold attempt to expand the league’s global reach and tap into new markets. The addition of a franchise in Paris, backed by the financial muscle of QSI, would be a major step toward realizing that vision. The league has not yet announced a timeline for franchise awards, but the bidding process is clearly underway.
The next key development will be the official announcement of the NBA Europe franchises. The league is expected to reveal the successful bidders in the coming months, setting the stage for the launch of the new league. Fans and industry observers will be closely watching to see which cities and ownership groups secure a place in this groundbreaking venture.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on this developing story and comprehensive coverage of NBA Europe.
