Yesterday, we reported about possible exciting updates of the potential launch of the NBA Europe League in collaboration with FIBA, with plans to feature 10 host cities: Munich, Berlin, Milan, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, Manchester, Istanbul, and Athens.
Since the initial report, a league spokesman revealed that there will be no Board of Governors vote this week on the NBA’s plan to launch said professional basketball league in Europe.
Per Sportico:
“At this week’s NBA Board of Governors meeting, the league will report on its exploration of a new men’s basketball league in Europe, in partnership with FIBA,” a league spokesman said in a statement.
NBA owners could vote on the proposal at any time, though no formal vote is scheduled during the meetings this week in New York, an NBA spokesman said.
If approved, the NBA Europe League could represent a seismic shift in the basketball landscape, offering a platform for elite competition and creating new opportunities for players, fans, and investors. Franchise valuations are expected to be substantial, with some estimates suggesting they could reach $500 million. The NBA plans to hold a 50% equity stake in the league, with the remaining shares sold to external investors, including sovereign wealth funds, private capital, and existing European basketball clubs.
The NBA’s partnership with FIBA is a critical component of the proposal, as the two organizations have a long-standing relationship and a shared vision for growing the game globally. The league’s success with ventures like the Basketball Africa League (BAL) demonstrates its ability to operate professional leagues outside North America, providing a blueprint for the European initiative.
