NBA & Fiba Team Up for Elite European Basketball League: Rome Leading the Charge

The NBA is eyeing a revolutionary change in European basketball, launching an elite professional league with FIBA as its international partner. The new league set to launch with 16 teams, 12 permanent and 4 to be decided via a promotion-relegation system, was the talk of the town when Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, and Andreas Zagklis, FIBA General Secretary, spilled the beans to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Rome: A Sleeping Giant Awakens

Rome, the Eternal City, might just be the catalyst for this European basketball renaissance. In an exclusive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, NBA Europe Manager George Aivazoglou emphasized Rome’s potential in the new league, stating:

“Italy is one of Europe’s key basketball markets. Rome, a city of such rich history and culture, deserves more of a spotlight in the European basketball landscape. We’re exploring ways to reintroduce important clubs like the ones in Rome and even look into building new arenas where they’re needed.”

Aivazoglou also hinted at the possibilities of teams from existing football clubs, such as AS Roma or SS Lazio, joining the fray, adding fuel to the excitement around the new league.

Lazio, Roma, or a Fresh Face?

The NBA manager also highlighted the possibility of building new teams from scratch, mentioning football teams with vast fan bases as potential candidates. While the door is open for an AS Roma or SS Lazio basketball team, Aivazoglou revealed that a third option – a completely new team created specifically for the league – is also on the table. Fans in the capital are eagerly awaiting the final call.

Paris Saint-Germain has already agreed to join the league with other European football giants, such as Manchester City and Arsenal, reportedly expressing interest. Yet, Rome’s involvement remains under wraps for now.

NBA Model Meets European Basketball

The new league plans to maintain European basketball’s distinct characteristics while exporting the NBA’s successful model. It aims to become the continent’s premier club competition, per Zagklis.

Did You Know?

• The new league will be a collaboration between the NBA and FIBA, marking the latter’s first global professional league.
• The 16-team setup is subject to change, with specifics yet to be finalized regarding the rotation of teams.
• Rome’s potential role in the new league sparked excitement among Italian basketball enthusiasts, with many eager to see their city represented.

Pro Tips for Fans

• Keep an eye on official NBA and FIBA channels for updates on the new league’s structure, participating teams, and launch date.
• Voice your opinions and preferences for Rome’s involvement in the league on social media using the hashtag #RomeBasketball.
• Explore 247sports.news for the latest coverage on this groundbreaking venture in European basketball.