NBA Europe is targeting a 16-team league set to launch in October 2027, with or without the EuroLeague’s involvement, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said Tuesday.
“We remain in active discussions with the EuroLeague,” Tatum said. “We believe all parties must be aligned, and we are also realistic. We are ready to proceed with FIBA and our partners if needed. There will be a meeting with the EuroLeague in the next couple of weeks.”
The EuroLeague features many of Europe’s basketball powerhouses, including Olympiacos, Real Madrid, Fenerbahçe and Barcelona.
According to Sports Business Journal, EuroLeague clubs would need to pay between $500 million and $1 billion for permanent NBA Europe franchises, though no commitments have been made so far.
“We’ve expressed to the EuroLeague, and we’ve talked to them about the fact that the only way to guarantee a permanent spot in our league is through a successful bid for a permanent franchise,” Tatum said. “But we’re also ready to proceed with our partners and investors if we can’t come to some sort of agreement.
