NBA & FIBA Join Forces: A New European Basketball League on the Horizon
Historic Project to Redefine European Basketball
Europe’s basketball landscape is on the brink of a dramatic shift. The world’s most powerful league, the NBA, and the global governing body of basketball, FIBA, are joining forces to create a new European league with an anticipated launch date of October 2027.
The Model: 12 Fixed Franchises and 4 Merit-Based Spots
The new competition will adopt a similar structure to the NBA’s, featuring 12 permanent franchises with a fixed license. The entry value for each team is expected to be around 500 million dollars, aiming to significantly boost the value of European basketball.
The remaining four places will be allocated based on sporting merit, with one spot reserved for the Basketball Champions League (BCL) champion and the other three for champions or top finishers from key European national leagues. This hybrid format combines financial stability with meritocracy.
Tension with the Euroleague
The Euroleague has expressed concerns, emphasizing four non-negotiable principles: shared benefit, cultural integrity, competitive excellence, and European governance.
The Euroleague has warned against any league that marginalizes current players or threatens established traditions.
Powerhouse Cities and Global Ambitions
Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Berlin, Paris, Athens, and Istanbul are potential pillars of this ambitious project. The league is considering the incorporation of powerful Euroleague clubs or the creation of new franchises in strategic markets like London or Manchester.
The ultimate goal? To further globalize basketball and, in the process, resolve the longstanding calendar conflict between FIBA and the Euroleague.
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FAQ
- When is the new league expected to start?
- October 2027
- How many teams will there be?
- 16; 12 fixed franchises and 4 merit-based spots
- Which cities are set to host teams?
- Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Berlin, Paris, Athens, Istanbul, and potential newcomers like London or Manchester
Did you know?
The new league’s initial 12 teams will have a combined fixed license value of 6 billion dollars – more than 50 times the annual revenue of any European league currently in existence.