NBA Exploring Launch of New European Basketball League

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is considering launching a new European basketball league in collaboration with Fiba, the sport’s global governing body. The proposed league would feature 16 teams, including 12 permanent teams and four that would qualify annually.

According to the NBA, the new league would be integrated into the existing European basketball landscape, with teams participating in their respective national leagues. The move aims to tap into the “untapped potential in European club basketball,” as noted by Fiba secretary general Andreas Zaglkis.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that the league’s board of governors has shown strong support for exploring this opportunity. However, Silver emphasized that “literally nothing” has been agreed upon, and no teams have been confirmed for participation.

The proposed league would adopt the European standard of 40-minute games, rather than the NBA’s 48-minute format. Silver also acknowledged the significance of existing European clubs with strong global brands, which could be leveraged to promote the new league.

The development of a new European basketball league could potentially rival the existing EuroLeague, which features top teams from the continent. The UK currently does not have any teams participating in the EuroLeague.

While details remain scarce, the NBA’s exploration of a new European league marks an exciting development for basketball fans worldwide.