NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed confidence in the league's plans to establish a new European league, referred to as NBA Europe, during his appearance on CNBC in Macao. This comes as the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks opened the NBA China Games 2026.
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Silver noted that the negotiations with Euroleague Basketball, the leading pan-regional league in Europe, are ongoing. "It’s like any negotiation. It’s ongoing," he remarked. He emphasized the complexity of the situation, highlighting the existence of 1,200 professional clubs across Europe and the significance of Euroleague as the top-tier competition.
Despite the recent rejection of an initial offer by Euroleague Basketball, Silver stated that creating the new league independently is an option if necessary, while still prioritizing a partnership. "We’re hoping we’ll work something out with the Euroleague," he added, indicating his belief in finding a resolution.
When questioned about the project's continuity regardless of Euroleague's actions, Silver was concise: "Yes, but we’re going to get something worked out with them. I think we will."
The NBA and FIBA's initiative is drawing substantial financial interest, according to Silver, who noted bids are coming from existing basketball clubs as well as major soccer brands in Europe. He described the venture as having a very positive outlook on valuations, stating, "Many hundreds of millions of dollars" are at stake in franchise fees. Silver termed this a unique opportunity to establish an NBA presence in major European cities like London, Paris, Madrid, and Munich.
Plans are set to launch NBA Europe by the beginning of the 2027–28 season with a structure of 16 teams, comprising 12 permanent teams and four additional teams determined by finalists of the Basketball Champions League and top performers from a qualification tournament tied to domestic championships.