NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Reveals Plans for European League

The NBA has announced plans to explore the creation of a new professional league in Europe, in partnership with FIBA, with 12 permanent franchises and 4 clubs subject to annual changes.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced plans to explore the formation of a new professional league in Europe. This initiative is being undertaken in partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the world governing body for basketball. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement on Thursday, highlighting the organization's enthusiasm for expanding its presence in Europe.

According to Commissioner Silver, the idea of establishing a professional league in Europe has been under discussion for decades. However, the NBA believes that the time is now ripe to take the concept to the next level. “(We) had discussions around potential opportunities in Europe literally for decades. But we feel now is the time to move to that next stage. We're ready to go to the next stage, and that's to explore a potential league in Europe with FIBA as our partners,” Silver explained, outlining the NBA's vision for the future of basketball in Europe.

Adam Silver revealed that the league is officially looking into expanding overseas

The NBA and FIBA are exploring partnering on a new league in Europe pic.twitter.com/lF7ZytSqT6

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 27, 2025

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed that discussions are underway to create a European league consisting of 12 permanent franchises, which would be unaffected by performance, and four clubs that would be subject to annual changes. However, Silver emphasized that this structure is not set in stone, stating, “But this could change” as talks progress. Silver, along with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, who was present at the New York news conference, declined to provide further details on the project, with Silver noting, “nothing has been decided yet.”

The proposed NBA-backed league would pose a significant threat to the EuroLeague, currently regarded as the second-best basketball league globally, after the NBA. When questioned about potential talks with EuroLeague, Zagklis replied, “it's our mission to have contacts with the clubs.” Silver described the project as being in an exploratory stage, indicating that various aspects, including sponsors and details, still need to be confirmed. “We wanted to have open and direct conversations with stakeholders, not secret discussions,” Silver explained.

“The All Star Game was a miss. We’re not there in terms of creating an All-Star experience we can be proud of and our players can be proud of.”

-Adam Silver talking about All Star Weekendpic.twitter.com/wCSdgS9Vym

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) March 27, 2025

According to media reports, several prominent clubs, including PSG, Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Fenerbahce, have been approached by the NBA regarding potential participation in the future league. The ownership structure of the clubs would be divided equally between the NBA and investors, with some reports suggesting that the price for a team in the new league would be at least $500 million.