NBA announces plans to explore European expansion for new basketball league

The NBA is set to expand, but not in the expected cities of Seattle or Las Vegas. Instead, the league is focusing on Europe. On March 28, 2025, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis announced that the NBA would begin exploring the creation of a basketball league in Europe, following a year of discussions. While nothing is finalized, this move could become one of Silver’s most significant achievements as commissioner. The proposed league would consist of 16 teams—12 permanent franchises and four others that could play annually.

There are still challenges to overcome, particularly due to the complex relationship between FIBA and the Euroleague. However, the NBA believes that being transparent about its intentions now will help smooth the process and reduce obstacles in the future. Silver emphasized the importance of engaging directly with existing stakeholders to gauge their interest, which he believes is a more productive approach than proceeding behind closed doors. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum played a key role in these discussions, collaborating with FIBA to leverage the NBA’s global influence, particularly after securing a $76 billion media rights deal.

Silver believes that now is the right time for such an expansion, citing research the NBA has done with fans, advertising agencies, and clubs in Europe. With basketball being the second most popular sport globally after soccer, and with roughly 15 percent of NBA players currently from Europe, the NBA sees a huge opportunity. Silver highlighted the success of European players, noting that five out of the last six NBA MVPs have been from Europe. However, he also pointed out a gap between the strong interest in basketball and the level of development in Europe compared to North America.

The idea of an NBA European league has been discussed for years, beginning with conversations between the late NBA commissioner David Stern, FIBA’s previous secretary generals Boris Stankovic and Patrick Baumann. Though the plan is still in its early stages, Silver and Zagklis acknowledged that there are significant differences between the NBA and international basketball, from game length to operational models. For instance, international games are 40 minutes long, compared to the NBA’s 48-minute format, and the European system includes relegation, unlike the NBA’s closed league structure.

Silver sees the potential for designing a league from scratch in Europe, which would allow the NBA to blend the best elements of both systems. While the NBA has already established a significant international presence, particularly through its diverse player pool and evolving playing style, this European expansion could solidify its global influence even further. Zagklis emphasized that FIBA’s goal is to make top-tier clubs more financially sustainable and to motivate the wider ecosystem to improve.

The NBA’s involvement has already provided valuable expertise to FIBA, especially in terms of league management and operations. However, Silver stated that NBA owners are unlikely to have dual ownership of teams in both the NBA and the European league. Instead, the focus will be on helping European teams develop modern arenas and practice facilities, ensuring they are competitive and ready for what is expected to be a profitable venture.

In summary, the NBA's European expansion could become a major step in the league’s history, marking a significant push for global growth and influence. Though there are hurdles to address, the potential for success is high, particularly as the NBA taps into a market with a growing basketball culture and a deep talent pool.