Mark Tatum on NBA's European League Plans
The NBA is pushing forward with plans for a European league, targeting launch by autumn 2027. NBA eyes European cities for 12-team league with FIBA partnership.
“That's the timeline where we're expecting these dozens of investors to come back...”
The NBA is moving forward with plans for a European league and expects potential investors to respond by the end of March, according to Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum. Tatum stated that dozens of investors are expected to indicate their interest in the market and proposed price by this deadline.
The proposed league would feature 12 permanent franchises and four qualifying teams, with target cities including Paris, Lyon, London, and others. Major football clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan have been approached to form franchises. The NBA aims to finalize the project by autumn 2027, with Tatum expressing optimism about collaboration with EuroLeague president Chus Bueno, a former NBA executive.
“That's the timeline where we're expecting these dozens of investors to come back and say, 'Yes, we're interested in this market, at this price,'” Tatum added.
The league is targeting a launch by autumn 2027, according to Tatum. This new competition would feature 12 permanent franchises and four qualifying teams, created in partnership with FIBA, basketball's global governing body.
Target cities for the franchises include major European hubs like Paris, Lyon, London, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Manchester, Munich, Athens, and Istanbul - a global lineup.
“We do know Chus Bueno, he obviously worked for us for a dozen years or so,” Tatum said.
“We've always said from the very beginning we've wanted to work together with the EuroLeague to align everyone and get everyone from the ecosystem aligned.
“I think with having Chus there, somebody who knows us well, who knows European basketball well, perhaps he can be a bridge between us, FIBA, and the EuroLeague.”
😯🚨 BIG NEWS! Rome is reportedly ready to return to the biggest european basketball stage!
— Iacopo De Santis (@iacopodesantis) February 11, 2026
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Top football clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, and AC Milan are being courted to join the NBA's European league as franchises. This move has created tension with the EuroLeague, Europe's premier basketball competition.
Despite the tension, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum is optimistic about working with EuroLeague president Chus Bueno, a former NBA executive. Tatum believes Bueno's experience will help bring the league to life.
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