The NBA and FIBA are in conversations about starting a new league in Europe to compete with the Euroleague and top pro leagues in individual countries.
“There is clear interest (by the NBA) and there are ongoing discussions with FIBA,” FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis said during his annual, year-end news conference Monday. “We’ve been having and will continue having discussions with … the company that operates the Euroleague.
“It is something that has been on our radar. We tried to bring everyone together. This was not possible. So our job is to continue having serious conversations with our partners at the NBA.”
During his news conference Monday, Zagklis said “basketball in Europe is punching much below its (weight in) commercial potential.”
FIBA believes the NBA could help improve fan interest in European basketball with their marketing pedigree.
The EuroLeague is a conglomerate of 18 of the continent’s best teams comprising two tiers of franchises, including 13 permanent members and five that must qualify. The permanent members are shareholders in the EuroLeague and operate under a license, but that license expires after the 2025-26 season.
Some teams such as Real Madrid and Barcelona are considering allowing their Eurleague licenses to expire.
