NBA Europe plans move ahead as EuroLeague rejects initial offer

The NBA and FIBA released a joint statement on Thursday reaffirming their intention to create a new men’s professional league on the continent, known as NBA Europe, even without a formal merger agreement with EuroLeague. The announcement follows reports that EuroLeague owners turned down the NBA’s initial proposal for a partnership.

In the statement, shared by Scott Soshnick of Sportico, the two governing bodies say that a partnership between EuroLeague, FIBA and the NBA aimed at unifying the European basketball structure would unlock major growth for clubs, players and “most importantly, fans.” They add that the NBA and FIBA remain committed to moving ahead with a new European league and to building a stronger, more sustainable basketball system with partners who share their vision and the core tenets of the European sports model.

EuroLeague owners push back on valuation but keep talks alive

While the joint message makes clear that EuroLeague’s participation is not a prerequisite for NBA Europe, multiple reports this week suggest the sides are still talking. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, EuroLeague shareholders believe the NBA’s opening offer undervalued the existing competition and its commercial position.

Windhorst reports that Barcelona, one of EuroLeague’s permanent clubs, signalled this week that both the team and the league would be open to an amended proposal from the NBA. Several of the 13 clubs with permanent EuroLeague status are also believed to have interest in potentially joining NBA Europe, and EuroLeague is said to be working on a counter-offer.

Launch target of 2027 under scrutiny as delay is discussed

The NBA has already received bids from a range of prospective markets and clubs outside the current EuroLeague structure, reflecting strong interest in the project. However, without a comprehensive agreement with EuroLeague, it is unclear whether the new competition can realistically launch on its original target of fall 2027.

Recent speculation has raised the possibility that NBA Europe’s debut could be pushed back to fall 2028 to allow more time to build out league infrastructure and finalize its place in the wider European club landscape. Windhorst also notes that European club basketball has weathered major structural change before: EuroLeague itself was formed in 2001 after the FIBA SuproLeague and ULEB Euroleague operated as rival competitions during the 2000-01 season.

For now, the NBA and FIBA are publicly standing by their vision of NBA Europe while leaving the door open for EuroLeague and its key stakeholders to join under revised terms.