The new European basketball league backed by the NBA could begin play as early as 2027, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday, according to the Associated Press’ Stephen Whyno and Tim Reynolds.
NBA and FIBA are working together to launch NBA Europe.
Speaking at a conference hosted by Front Office Sports, Silver called a 2027 start “ambitious, no doubt about it” but did not rule out that possibility. Existing arenas across Europe could be used when the initial launch occurs until more modern infrastructure is built up.
“I don’t think I’d want to go much longer than ’28,” Silver said. “The opportunity is now to do something like this.”
Silver and deputy commissioner Mark Tatum met with United Kingdom prime minister Keir Starmer, among other government officials, along with various possible stakeholders this summer regarding the new venture. Those meetings convinced Silver that NBA Europe would be successful.
“I would say I’m enthusiastic about it,” Silver said.
Early plans call for the new league to have 16 teams, though that number could change. Existing European clubs like Real Madrid, Fenerbahce Istanbul and Barcelona are likely to figure into the NBA’s plans for the new league, according to AP. London and Manchester, England are expected to have franchises, according to Aris Barkas of Eurohoops.net.
“Basketball’s probably the fastest-growing sport in the world right now, and it’s a huge No. 2 sport in Europe behind soccer, so I think there’s a real opportunity,” Silver added.