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Talk about a heat check.
The NBA’s ambitious push into Europe is gathering serious momentum — and some rather serious money.
According to The Athletic, the NBA has received a wave of bids, many ranging between $500 million and $1 billion, with several even crossing the billion-dollar mark, for franchises in its proposed European league.
More than 120 investors reportedly submitted non-binding proposals before the deadline.
What NBA Europe Could Look Like
The early blueprint is clear: a 10 to 12-team league featuring permanent franchises, with an additional four teams qualifying each year based on performance in domestic European competitions.
The target cities are the usual suspects: hotspots for sport and culture — such as London, Paris, Madrid,
Berlin, and Milan — alongside emerging basketball hubs like Istanbul and Athens.
Currently, Europe’s elite clubs compete in the EuroLeague, a long-standing competition originally founded by FIBA.
So, the question arises: will the NBA collaborate or compete?
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver knows what he wants.
“I think for the betterment of European basketball, the best outcome would be if we came together with the EuroLeague… to grow the game,” Silver stated.
Strong Confidence from Investors
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum then backed up Silver’s stance by confirming the scale of interest.
“We have received significant interest from a range of prospective teams and investors,” he said. “The level of engagement and the scale of the bids reflect the marketplace’s belief… and the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball.”
The league is now set to review proposals and shortlist partners aligned with its long-term vision.
What Comes Next
The NBA is reportedly valuing franchise spots between $500 million and $1 billion: a hefty entry fee, but clearly not a deterrent.
With a targeted launch set for 2027, the NBA’s European dream continues to slowly take shape and might just become a reality very soon.
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