NBA teaming with FIBA, sees 'enormous opportunity' in European league

The NBA said Monday it is moving forward with plans to pursue teams and ownership groups for a new professional men’s basketball league in Europe, which it aims to launch in partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

The proposed league would feature a mix of permanent franchises and teams that qualify annually through a competitive pathway. Clubs competing in FIBA-affiliated domestic leagues across Europe could earn spots through the Basketball Champions League or a season-ending qualification tournament.

According to the NBA, the league calendar would be structured to avoid conflicts with domestic and international competitions, allowing players to meet all club and national team commitments throughout the season.

CNBC reported that valuations for permanent franchises could exceed $1 billion, noting that bankers from JPMorgan and the Raine Group have already met with more than 70 potential investors interested in the project.

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

The NBA and FIBA first announced in March that they were jointly exploring the creation of the league. Monday’s update also included a commitment to invest in the development of European basketball at the professional, academy and grassroots levels.

“Advancing further this joint NBA-FIBA project is great news for the European basketball community,” FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said. “The format of the league respects European sports model principles by offering ambitious clubs across the continent a fair pathway to the top. The project is designed to improve the sustainability of the entire European basketball ecosystem, benefiting players, clubs, leagues, national federations and fans alike.”

More details are expected in the coming months. According to CNBC, the NBA plans to receive nonbinding ownership bids in January, with a vote to formally approve the league scheduled for the board of governors meeting in March. -Field Level Media