NBA and FIBA's Revolutionary European Basketball League Move Set for 2027

The NBA and FIBA are steadily advancing a transformative project for a new elite European basketball league. Starting formal talks with European clubs and owners in January, this initiative targets an October 2027 launch as a realistic goal. The plan blends the NBA's commercial prowess with Europe's classic promotion-relegation framework in a hybrid setup.

The proposed structure centers on a 16-team competition: 12 fixed franchises paired with 4 merit-based qualifiers via the FIBA Champions League or end-of-season events. This opens a viable path to the top for ambitious teams across FIBA-affiliated leagues continent-wide. FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis emphasizes that it "upholds European sports traditions while providing a fair route for every driven club," as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver calls it "a massive chance to expand pro basketball in Europe."

Key cities in the mix include London and Manchester, Paris and Lyon, Madrid-Barcelona duo, Rome-Milan, Munich-Berlin, and Athens-Istanbul—spanning established powerhouses and untapped markets. Financial heavyweights like JPMorgan and the Raine Group are crafting the investment model to lure "ultra-wealthy conglomerate backers," especially in soccer-dominated regions ripe for basketball growth.

The venture squarely challenges Euroleague Commercial Assets, operators of the current EuroLeague and EuroCup amid ongoing governance and scheduling clashes. While EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas pushes for unity, FIBA critiques the fragmented landscape where 90% of clubs lack access and top teams bleed money yearly. With Europe's NBA stars like Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Dončić rising, upcoming regular-season games in Berlin and London will host pivotal club and investor meetings to lock in the 2027 timeline.