NBA Europe Aims for 16-Team League to Launch in October 2027

NBA Europe is targeting a 16-team league set to tip off in October 2027, regardless of whether EuroLeague participates in the venture, stated NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, as reported by Reuters.

“We continue to have active discussions with EuroLeague,” Tatum commented. “We believe everything should be aligned, and we are also realistic. We are prepared to move forward with FIBA and our partners if necessary. There will be a meeting with EuroLeague representatives in the coming weeks.”

The EuroLeague competition features most of the basketball powerhouses on the Old Continent, including Olympiacos, Real Madrid, Fenerbahçe, and Barcelona.

According to the Sports Business Journal, EuroLeague clubs would need to pay between $500 million and $1 billion for permanent franchises in NBA Europe, but such commitments have not yet been made.

“We have expressed our opinion to EuroLeague. We’ve spoken with them about how the only way to secure a permanent spot in our league is through a successful bid for a permanent franchise,” Mark Tatum stated.

“But... we are also prepared to move forward with our partners and investors if we cannot reach an agreement. Obviously, it wouldn't be ideal, but we continue to strive for a constructive, collaborative, and aligned outcome for the entire European ecosystem. We have been consistent in this, believing that all parties should unite in the best interest of basketball,” he added.

“By the end of the month, bids will be finalized, and then we will go through the entire process. There is no specific timeline for announcements. We need to finalize our negotiations with clubs for the October 2027 launch,” Tatum further explained. He also confirmed the recent news that Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić is investing in an NBA Europe team that will play in Rome.

“It’s incredible for someone like Luka, who played in the EuroLeague, to return to European basketball in this way. He is very excited about our project. Luka played in the EuroLeague and understands the need for a structure and system that will benefit the sport,” Mark Tatum clarified.