New European Basketball League on the Horizon: NBA and FIBA Collaborate
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced that a new basketball league based in Europe, the result of collaboration between the NBA and FIBA, could begin to be played between 2027 and 2028. Although an exact date has not yet been defined, Silver was optimistic about the project. During a conference organized by Front Office Sports, Silver called the start in 2027 “ambitious”, but did not rule out the possibility. He reiterated that the deadline could be two to three years, highlighting the use of existing infrastructure in Europe for the first few years.Silver suggested that starting the league near the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games could be a viable option. In March, the NBA and FIBA, the global basketball governing body, announced their plans for a new European league, ending years of speculation. The project has advanced rapidly, and last month JPMorgan Chase and Raine Group joined to advise on finance and strategy. Silver and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum have held positive meetings with political leaders, teams, media companies, and potential investors in Europe. Meanwhile, work at the league office continues to make the project a reality.I don’t think we want to go much beyond 2028. The opportunity is now to do something like this.
Adam Silver
The initial plans contemplate a league with 16 teams, although this number could change. European clubs such as Real Madrid, Fenerbahce Istanbul, and Barcelona are candidates to be part of the league, along with other prominent brands. Currently, approximately one in six NBA players is European, including figures like Nikola Jokic of Denver, Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee, Luka Doncic of Los Angeles Lakers, and Victor Wembanyama of San Antonio.I’d say I’m excited about this.
Adam Silver
Basketball is probably the fastest growing sport in the world right now, and it’s a number 2 sport in Europe, behind football, so I think there’s a real opportunity.
Adam Silver
