PSG Eyes NBA Europe Franchise as League Launch Nears
PARIS – The clock is ticking for NBA Europe, with a targeted launch in Fall 2027. Investors interested in acquiring a franchise in the planned European league have until March 31, 2026, to submit their bids. In that context, French sports publication L’Équipe reported Thursday that Qatar Sports Investments, the owner of Paris Saint-Germain, intends to be among the candidates, working “positively and actively” on a bid.
The potential entry of PSG into NBA Europe represents a significant development for the league, which aims to blend the stability of American franchises with the meritocracy of European competition. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has outlined plans for a 12- to 16-team model, with 10 to 12 permanent “A-license” spots reserved for elite European clubs, and four to six places earned through qualification from existing European competitions. Targeted clubs include Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü, and Anadolu Efes.
Silver confirmed in January discussions with PSG and several Spanish clubs, signaling the NBA’s serious intent to integrate established European basketball powers into the new league. The league is projected to require expansion fees ranging from $500 million to $1 billion per franchise.
NBA Europe: A Hybrid Model
The structure of NBA Europe, as currently envisioned, aims to respect existing European basketball structures even as introducing the NBA’s brand and operational expertise. The league will feature a mix of permanent franchises and qualifying teams, creating a competitive environment that draws from both established European leagues and the NBA’s global reach. The Asvel club, owned by Tony Parker, has also expressed interest in securing a franchise.
The NBA’s move into Europe isn’t entirely new. The league has been staging regular-season games in Europe for years, with plans to return to Paris for regular-season games in 2027 and 2028 after a successful 2025 run. These games serve as a testing ground for gauging fan interest and building a foundation for the permanent league.
PSG’s Potential Entry: What We Know
While Qatar Sports Investments’ interest is confirmed, details regarding the potential PSG franchise remain scarce. PSG currently has a partnership with the Jordan brand for apparel, but does not currently own a professional basketball team.
According to L’Équipe, PSG could potentially acquire the rights to an existing club – Levallois, currently playing in the French Nationale 1 league, has been mentioned as a possibility – similar to how Paris Basketball acquired the rights of Hyères-Toulon in 2018 to initiate its journey in the Pro B league. This approach would allow PSG to quickly establish a basketball presence within the framework of NBA Europe’s requirements.
However, the club’s strategy could be influenced by upcoming municipal elections and the future of the Parc des Princes stadium, which PSG reportedly wishes to acquire. The outcome of these developments could impact the club’s overall investment plans, including its pursuit of an NBA Europe franchise.
The NBA and FIBA are jointly pushing forward with the plans for the new league, aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of basketball in Europe and create a new revenue stream for both organizations. The league hopes to launch with 12 permanent franchises located in major European cities like Paris, London, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Istanbul, and Berlin.
The league will also include four non-permanent franchises that will qualify through the Basketball Champions League (BCL) or a season-ending tournament, adding another layer of competition and opportunity for European clubs.
What’s Next?
The deadline for submitting bids for NBA Europe franchises is March 31, 2026. Following the bid submission period, the NBA and FIBA will evaluate the proposals and announce the successful franchise owners. The league is still targeting an October 2027 launch, though that timeline remains subject to change. Fans and stakeholders will be closely watching developments as the NBA Europe project moves forward, with the potential to reshape the landscape of professional basketball in Europe.
The next key date will be the end of March 2026, when the NBA will begin evaluating bids and determining which organizations will be awarded franchises. Further announcements regarding the league’s structure, schedule, and participating teams are expected in the coming months.
Archysport will continue to provide updates on the development of NBA Europe as more information becomes available.
