QSI Makes Bid for NBA Paris Franchise

Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), the primary shareholder of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is making a formal offer to the National Basketball Association (NBA) to participate in its upcoming European venture with a club based in Paris. This move signals QSI’s ambition to expand its sporting portfolio beyond football.

Separate Entity from PSG Football Club

A spokesperson for QSI clarified that the bid is not coming from the PSG football club itself. It is not the PSG football club which is bidding for a basketball team, it is QSI as an investor seeking to create a basketball franchise in the city of Paris, the spokesperson stated.

However, the investment could align with a broader QSI strategy to elevate PSG as a global brand.

NBA’s European Expansion Plans

The NBA announced plans last year to launch a European competition in 2027, in collaboration with the International Federation (Fiba). Paris is among the cities being considered, alongside Lyon, London, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Manchester, Munich, Athens, and Istanbul.

The project is expected to create competition with the Euroleague, the current leading basketball competition in Europe, which recently appointed a new president.

Bidding Process and Timeline

Interested parties have until March 31 to submit their financial offers. Negotiations are anticipated to be lengthy, potentially lasting at least a year, due to a significant gap between what NBA leaders hope for and what investors are willing to position in, according to a source close to the matter.

Nasser Al-Khelaïfi’s Role

QSI is led by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, who currently serves as the president of PSG. He also holds several other prominent positions, including Group Chairman of beIN MEDIA GROUP and Chairman of European Football Clubs (EFC). According to web search results, Al-Khelaïfi has been President of PSG since 2011, following QSI’s acquisition of the club.

Did You Know?

Nasser Al-Khelaïfi is the first leader from Asia to hold a UEFA position and represents EFC on the FIFA Council since October 2025.

FAQ

• Who is bidding for the NBA Paris franchise? QSI, the owner of Paris Saint-Germain, is bidding as an investor.
• Is PSG directly involved? No, the bid is coming from QSI as a separate entity.
• When is the NBA’s European competition expected to launch? The competition is planned for 2027.