The NBA and FIBA have announced that they are jointly exploring the creation of a new men’s professional basketball league in Europe. This initiative seeks to bring the sport to more European fans and accelerate its growth on the continent. Discussions, which began more than a year ago, are continuing with potential investors, teams, stadium developers and commercial partners.
AN NBA AND FIBA LEAGUE
The proposed league would be integrated into the current structure of European basketball, allowing participating teams to continue competing in their respective domestic leagues. In addition, the league would offer a merit-based ranking system for clubs throughout the European basketball ecosystem.
BASKETBALL DEVELOPMENT IN EUROPE
As part of the plan, the NBA and FIBA would commit financial resources and support to further develop the basketball ecosystem in Europe. This would include investments in club team academies and the expansion of existing NBA and FIBA programs to train players, coaches and referees at all levels of the sport.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY NBA AND FIBA LEADERS
The announcement was made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis following the NBA Board of Governors meeting in New York and the FIBA Executive Committee meeting in Mies, Switzerland.
“The European basketball community is proud of its seven decades of history in international club competitions and the elite talent it develops,” Zagklis said. “However, given the success of national team competitions and the popularity of the sport, there is untapped potential in European club basketball. A new league in Europe would combine the NBA’s commercial expertise with FIBA’s international knowledge to attract new fans and investors, maximize benefits for clubs and establish synergies to the benefit of all involved.”
Silver added: “The NBA and FIBA are uniquely positioned to build on the rich tradition of European basketball. We look forward to collaborating with FIBA to explore the creation of a new league for fans across the continent.”
The NBA and FIBA have indicated that they will provide further updates on the project shortly.
