Four euro powers are expected to join
NBA Europe is reportedly getting closer to becoming a reality, with four European league teams set to join the new competition. according to CompetitorJoe Vardon, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne are expected to be among the founding members. Former Euroleague side ALBA Berlin will also receive a permanent spot.
These additions demonstrate the NBA’s intention to lay a solid foundation for its European division. The tournament will feature at least some of Europe’s best-known clubs to ensure immediate credibility and fan interest.
Team and city revealed
NBA Europe managing director George Aivazoglou confirmed the target launch date is October 2027. The league plans to have 12 permanent teams located in major European basketball markets.
“We are negotiating with some existing basketball teams. We are also negotiating with football clubs that have strong brands but do not have basketball teams… There are places where we will start from scratch,” Avazoglu told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Selected cities include Rome, Milan, London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Munich, Athens and Istanbul. according to Basketball NewsIstanbul Galatasaray is expected to be Turkey’s sole representative, while the situation with the Paris men’s basketball team could hinge on the NBA’s partnership talks with Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain.
Semi-open format with sports value
Avazoglu revealed that the NBA European Division will adopt a semi-open format, with a total of 16 teams participating, 12 of which are permanent teams and 4 based on performance. “One will be from our partner FIBA Basketball Champions League and the other three will be from domestic leagues,” he said. “That’s the fun part because it gives everyone a purpose.”
Possible future games with NBA teams
The head of NBA Europe also hinted at an eventual competition between American and European clubs. “This will be a new competition that brings together the NBA and NBA Europe teams and will ultimately take the form of an NBA Cup… as part of an increasingly integrated framework,” Avazoglu said.
If all goes according to plan, NBA Europe could reshape global basketball by uniting powerful clubs and bringing the NBA brand directly to European fans.
