NBA Commissioner Confirms Talks for Majority Stake in EuroLeague

During a news conference after the Board of Governors meeting in New York, Silver stated that discussions are progressing and that formal announcements may be expected in the coming weeks or months. EuroLeague is scheduled to hold its own Board of Governors meeting on October 5, where it is anticipated to address the NBA's proposals.

Silver expressed optimism about the benefits of a partnership, saying, “We believe that the league would be strengthened by joining forces with the EuroLeague. It doesn’t have to happen, but I think we would all be better off as a unified front in Europe.”

He and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum are considering launching an NBA Europe with 12 teams by the fall of 2027. However, the final structure of the league remains uncertain due to the complex nature of integrating EuroLeague teams. It is unlikely that all 13 EuroLeague clubs would transition into the NBA Europe, which could result in some teams competing in other domestic leagues initially.

Silver acknowledged the intricacies involved in this process, underscoring that the league is committed to getting it right. He mentioned considerations such as salary systems for players, television rights aggregation, and plans for new arenas across Europe. He stated, “It seems like everything takes longer than people outside the league would like it to take, but these things are very involved.”

While the financial details of acquiring EuroLeague remain unclear, previous reports suggest that some EuroLeague markets may not be highly profitable. Top teams, which include Panathinaikos, Real Madrid, and Olympiacos, are valued over $370 million. Other clubs like Anadolu Efes, FC Barcelona, and Bayern Munich fall within a range of $69 million to $345 million.