The NBA is expressing strong confidence in its plans for a new European basketball league after receiving a wave of impressive bids for permanent franchise spots, Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum announced Tuesday.
According to Tatum, the league has received numerous bids meeting or surpassing the $500 million to $1 billion target range across all 12 cities being considered for franchises. More than 20 existing basketball and football clubs — including several current EuroLeague organizations — have submitted offers.
“This will be the biggest influx of capital European basketball has ever seen, and we have clear frontrunners in each of our 12 target cities including many existing basketball and football clubs,” Tatum said.
He added that the next step is finalizing agreements with the NBA and FIBA Boards. Several former NBA team owners are also involved, either as part of bidding groups or as parties who have expressed serious interest.
The proposed league, backed jointly by the NBA and FIBA and targeted for an October 2027 launch, would consist of 16 teams total — 12 permanent franchises plus four additional berths awarded through a European qualification process. Announcements about which teams earn permanent spots will be made on a rolling basis rather than all at once.
The NBA’s expansion into Europe comes as international players continue to grow their presence in the league. The new competition would move into a market currently dominated by the EuroLeague, which includes powerhouse clubs such as Olympiacos, Real Madrid, Fenerbahce, and Barcelona.
