Euroleague shareholders are gathering in Cernobbio on Lake Como this Monday to discuss a major expansion project and the possibility of joining forces with the NBA on a new Europe league. The meeting, hosted in Italy, marks a pivotal moment for the future of professional basketball across the continent.
Potential merger and its implications
If the two organizations reach an agreement, the merger would reshape governance, structure, and financing of Europe’s top‑tier competition. A combined league could offer a more unified product for fans and sponsors, while also creating new revenue streams for clubs.
Both the Euroleague and the NBA have said they will pursue their own strategies for the next season if no deal is reached. In that scenario, the NBA Europe concept and the Euroleague would become rivals, with the Euroleague planning to expand its existing format.
NBA Europe proposal
The NBA, together with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), has outlined a semi‑open league that would feature 14‑16 teams. Ten to twelve franchises would hold permanent spots, while four to six places would be awarded each year based on sporting merit. Teams could qualify through the FIBA Basketball Champions League or an end‑of‑season qualifying tournament, giving clubs from domestic leagues a clear pathway to the top tier.
NBA Europe aims to reduce scheduling conflicts with domestic championships and FIBA windows, allowing players to compete in both their national leagues and the new competition without overlap. Player development pathways and the transfer system are expected to stay the same.
Euroleague expansion plans
The Euroleague currently has 20 members, with 13 permanent clubs and wildcard spots for others. The league has received 14 bids for eight additional long‑term franchises, amounting to more than €800 million in franchise fees. If the expansion proceeds, the competition could grow to 24 teams next season, adding up to eight new long‑term franchises and filling the remaining spots with temporary members.
Under the Euroleague’s model, new clubs would join as franchises, and several major European football clubs have shown interest in participating, potentially broadening the league’s appeal.
Financial stakes and interested parties
Both proposals involve substantial financial commitments. The NBA has reportedly received bids ranging from $500 million to $1 billion for franchise slots, while the Euroleague’s bids total over €800 million. Qatar Sports Investments, which owns Paris Saint‑Germain, has confirmed a positive involvement in the talks but declined further comment.
NBA Europe has identified 12 anchor cities for potential franchises, including London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Munich, Istanbul, Madrid, Athens, Barcelona, Manchester, and Lyon.
What’s next?
The Cernobbio meeting will determine whether the two entities move toward collaboration or continue on separate paths. Regardless of the outcome, the discussions signal a significant shift in how professional basketball may be organized and financed in Europe in the coming years.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
