The world of basketball is increasingly looking to football for a boost, as the NBA sets its sights on expanding its footprint in Europe. American investors are eyeing opportunities in the Vintage Continent, particularly within the established EuroLeague, and even contemplating a new league altogether. Money, and the right ownership groups, are proving to be fundamental to these ambitions.
According to reports, the NBA is pressing potential investors interested in a European league planned for 2027 to express their intentions to Adam Silver and other league officials by the end of March. The goal is to secure funding to convince clubs and cities to participate in this novel competition. Football clubs are emerging as a key component of this strategy. While Paris Saint-Germain and A.C. Milan have been discussed as potential anchors for franchises in Paris and Milan respectively, another prominent football club is now entering the conversation: Newcastle United.
The connection between the NBA’s European ambitions and Newcastle United stems from the club’s ownership. Like Paris Saint-Germain, backed by Qatari investment, and A.C. Milan, controlled by an American fund, Newcastle United is financed by external capital – specifically, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. The PIF, according to The Athletic, sees an opportunity to enter the NBA through Newcastle United, a club purchased in 2021 with a rich history and four Premier League titles. The club is currently competing in the Champions League, alongside FC Barcelona, a team the NBA had likewise reportedly expressed interest in.
This potential foray into basketball isn’t envisioned as a direct Newcastle United NBA team. Instead, the plan reportedly involves establishing a franchise in London. A new arena, built to NBA standards, would be required to accommodate the team. London, as the most significant city in the United Kingdom, is seen as the ideal location to capitalize on the Anglo-Saxon market, even though the franchise would not be based in Newcastle upon Tyne. This geographical shift presents a challenge in building a dedicated local fanbase, a hurdle that could be overcome with substantial financial backing from the Saudi-backed PIF.
The NBA already has a presence in the United Kingdom, hosting regular season games in London. In the 2025/26 season, the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic played games in London, alongside a game held in Berlin, Germany. The league has also experimented with the London Lions, a club participating in the EuroCup, though the Lions have faced financial difficulties despite the high-level competition. This highlights the challenges of establishing a strong basketball tradition in a market where football dominates.
The distance between Newcastle and London – nearly 500 kilometers – further underscores the strategic rationale for locating the franchise in the capital. The economic viability of the project, driven by the financial resources of the PIF, is paramount. The NBA is clearly prioritizing financial strength as it explores this ambitious expansion plan.
This move comes as the EuroLeague itself is seeing an increasing influx of American players. As of March 17, 2025, 86 of the 299 players competing in the league are from the United States, representing 28.7% of the total. This figure surpasses the representation from France, Serbia, Germany, and Spain, demonstrating a growing trend of American talent finding opportunities in Europe. Players who may not identify consistent roles in the NBA are increasingly choosing to continue their careers in the EuroLeague, attracted by playing time and competitive salaries.
The increasing American presence in European basketball raises questions about the future of the sport on both continents. While the NBA remains the pinnacle for many players, the EuroLeague offers a viable and increasingly attractive alternative. Players like Nikola Jokić of Serbia and Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece, both former EuroLeague players, have demonstrated that the league can develop world-class talent capable of competing at the highest level.
The NBA’s pursuit of a European league is a complex undertaking, requiring significant investment and careful consideration of market dynamics. The involvement of football clubs like Newcastle United, backed by powerful financial entities, signals a serious commitment to expanding the league’s global reach. The coming weeks will be crucial as potential investors create their intentions known, and the NBA moves closer to realizing its vision for a European presence.
The situation with Real Madrid is also developing. Reports suggest the Spanish powerhouse is considering a move closer to the NBA, potentially exiting the EuroLeague. This adds another layer of complexity to the European basketball landscape, as the NBA seeks to establish a foothold in a market already brimming with established leagues and passionate fan bases.
The NBA’s continued engagement with the UK, through international games, demonstrates its commitment to the region. But, the success of a London-based franchise will depend on overcoming the challenges of building a dedicated fanbase in a football-centric market. The financial backing of the PIF, if secured, could prove to be a decisive factor in overcoming these obstacles.
Next steps will involve the NBA evaluating the bids from potential investors by the end of March. The league will then determine which cities and clubs will be invited to participate in the planned 2027 European league. Further updates are expected in April as the NBA solidifies its plans for expansion.
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