The National Basketball Association is firmly setting its sights on a major international expansion, with plans accelerating for a professional Europe-based league scheduled to debut as early as October 2027.
The Structure of the New European Competition
George Aivagolozu, the NBA Europe managing director, provided significant details during a conference in Milan, outlining a 16-team model that would include 12 permanent franchises. The league's inaugural season might be a 'semi-opening,' indicating that not all team slots may be filled immediately upon launch.
The proposed league structure includes an innovative qualification system for four of its teams. These spots could be awarded to clubs that win the FIBA Basketball Champions League or that achieve high performance within their domestic European leagues. Aivagolozu described this potential element as "probably the most exciting part of the plan," acknowledging the evolving landscape of European domestic competitions.
Target Cities and Investment Talks
The NBA has identified several key European markets for the new venture. The targeted countries and their potential host cities are:
- Britain: London and Manchester
- France: Paris and Lyon
- Spain: Madrid and Barcelona
- Italy: Rome and Milan
- Germany: Munich and Berlin
- Greece: Athens
- Turkey: Istanbul
No formal deals with any city or club have been announced yet, but discussions are actively progressing. The NBA is engaging in serious talks with potential investors and stakeholders to bring this ambitious project to life.
Future Prospects and Global Integration
Looking beyond the league's establishment, officials are considering creating a tournament that would feature matches between NBA and European teams, potentially mirroring football's FIFA Club World Cup format. This would further integrate the basketball ecosystems across the Atlantic.
The growing influence of European talent in the NBA underscores the logic behind this expansion. Currently, about one in every six NBA players hails from Europe, including recent MVPs like Denver's Nikola Jokić and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, alongside superstars such as Luka Dončić and Victor Wembanyama.
The NBA's commitment to European basketball is further demonstrated by upcoming games, with the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies scheduled to play in Berlin and London in mid-January. While the 2027 launch date remains a target, the league continues its methodical approach to creating a lasting basketball presence in Europe.
