New European Basketball League Could Start in 2027
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed that the new European basketball league, the result of collaboration between the NBA and FIBA, could begin operations in 2027 or 2028. Although a definitive date has not been set, Silver called the start in 2027 “ambitious”. Silver, during a conference organized by Front Office Sports, mentioned that the deadline could be two to three years, and pointed out the possibility of using the existing infrastructures in Europe initially.Previously, Silver had indicated that starting the league near the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 could be more sensible. In March, the NBA and FIBA announced their plans to establish a new European league, ending years of speculation. Progress has been rapid, and a significant step was taken last month when the NBA hired JPMorgan Chase and Raine Group for financial and strategic advice. Silver highlighted the positive meetings with political leaders, teams, media, potential investors, and other stakeholders in Europe, while work continues at the league headquarters to finalize the project. “I’d say I’m excited,” Silver stated. The initial plans contemplate a league with 16 teams, although this number could change. European clubs like Real Madrid, Fenerbahce Istanbul, and Barcelona will likely be part of the NBA’s plans, along with other major football brands like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. Approximately one in six current NBA players is European, including Nikola Jokic of Denver and Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee, who have won five of the last seven MVP awards, as well as Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers and Victor Wembanyama of San Antonio. “Basketball is probably the fastest-growing sport in the world right now, and it’s the second-biggest sport in Europe after soccer, so I think there’s a real opportunity,” Silver concluded.“I don’t think we want to extend it much beyond 2028. The opportunity to do something like this is now”.
Adam Silver
