NBA Europe League moves closer as NBA and FIBA begin engaging clubs & investors

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) have confirmed that plans for a new pan-European men’s basketball league are entering a decisive new phase, with prospective teams and ownership groups set to be formally engaged from January.

In a joint announcement issued from Mies and New York on December 22, the two governing bodies signalled that exploratory talks are now moving into a more concrete recruitment process, marking the clearest indication yet that NBA Europe is transitioning from concept to execution.

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis framed the project as a structural opportunity for European basketball rather than a closed commercial venture.

“Advancing further this joint NBA-FIBA project is great news for the European basketball community,” Zagklis said. “The format of the league respects European sport model principles by offering any ambitious club in the continent a fair pathway to the top.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver echoed that sentiment, emphasising the scale of opportunity he believes exists across the continent.

“Our conversations with various stakeholders in Europe have reinforced our belief that an enormous opportunity exists around the creation of a new league on the continent,” Silver said.

“Together with FIBA, we look forward to engaging prospective clubs and ownership groups that share our vision for the game’s potential in Europe.”

Central to the proposal is a league structure that blends permanent franchises with merit-based access, a key concern for European basketball stakeholders – with both London and Manchester widely rumoured to be included.

Under current plans, the league would include permanent members alongside annual qualification routes for clubs competing in FIBA-affiliated domestic leagues. Entry would be available through performance in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) or via an end-of-season qualifying tournament.

The NBA and FIBA have reiterated that the league calendar would be aligned with domestic competitions and national team windows, allowing players to represent both club and country without conflict, as it is increasingly looking like they will go head to head with the Euroleague.

In October, EuroLeague confirmed that meetings had taken place in Geneva between EuroLeague management and clubs, the National Basketball Association, and FIBA. EuroLeague stated that it had presented a proposed collaboration framework which, to date, it said had “not received any meaningful response”.

EuroLeague reiterated that while it remains open to continued dialogue, any future cooperation must respect key principles, including protecting Europe’s existing elite club structure, preserving basketball culture and fan traditions, maintaining competitive standards, and ensuring decision-making authority remains in Europe.

NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director, George Aivazoglou, confirmed at the time they had been having dialogue with the Euroleague, adding:

“We remain open to working with the EuroLeague on this project provided we can align in our assessment of the enormous potential for the game in Europe.”

Beyond the NBA Europe League itself, both FIBA and the NBA have committed to reinvesting in the wider basketball ecosystem, including domestic leagues, youth academies and development pathways for players, coaches and referees.

Alongside the official announcement, City AM has reported that the NBA will host an invite-only event in London on January 19, designed to court potential investors, commercial partners and foundational sponsors for NBA Europe.

According to the report, senior NBA executives will stage the event at a central London hotel, timed to coincide with the NBA’s return to the capital for the Memphis Grizzlies vs Orlando Magic game at The O2 on January 18.

The invitation seen by City AM reportedly describes the guest list as “a select group of global leaders and brands across sports, entertainment, technology and culture,” with NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum promising attendees an early look at the league’s long-term vision for European basketball.

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