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The NBA is moving closer to launching a European league within the next two years, league officials said Tuesday, with franchise fees expected to range between $500 million and $1 billion.
Speaking to international media, Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum said the project is pending approval from both the NBA and FIBA boards, but the league is already preparing to engage potential investors in the coming weeks.
The initial plan calls for 10–12 cities, with early targets including the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and potentially Turkey and Greece. The NBA is exploring a mix of existing clubs, new clubs, and even football clubs looking to add basketball teams.
Tatum said the NBA would run the top-tier league, while FIBA’s Basketball Champions League would serve as the second tier. Teams could qualify for the NBA Europe league through a merit-based system, such as winning domestic leagues or via special play-in tournaments.
Looking further ahead, the NBA envisions European teams eventually participating in the NBA Cup and maybe even forming a full European division once advanced travel technologies make it feasible.
The league is also expanding its current European footprint: London will host its 10th regular-season NBA game on Jan. 18, 2026, when the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Orlando Magic. Plans are already underway for Manchester and Paris games in 2027, followed by Berlin and Paris in 2028.
“There are no top-tier teams in the UK,” Tatum noted, emphasizing the strong demand from British fans and the league’s desire to build a long-term presence across Europe.
*Source: Reuters / TalkSport / Sports Business Journal
