Galatasaray Sees One Path Back to the Elite: The NBA Is the Answer

Pulse Sports Team 12:53 - 11 October 2026

Galatasaray is aiming to join the upcoming NBA Europe competition, with club president Dursun Ozbek hinting that further details could be unveiled before the end of the year.

Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek outlined the club's ambitious plans at the annual general assembly held at the Halic Congress Center, confirming that talks with NBA officials and potential investors remain ongoing.

"Our men's basketball team has tipped off the season with high aspirations. We are continuing discussions with NBA representatives and investors regarding the NBA Europe project. I will have good news to share later this year. Our ultimate goal is to return to the pinnacle of European basketball and achieve sustained success," said Dursun Ozbek.

Under current plans, the new competition jointly spearheaded by the NBA and FIBA is slated to launch for the 2027/28 season.

The proposed tournament is expected to feature 16 teams, with 12 holding permanent spots while the remaining four berths are earned through qualifiers and performances in FIBA competitions.

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