In recent discussions of international expansion, the NBA is gearing up for a unique venture. Reported by Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams of Sportico, the league plans to conduct a formal review this week regarding a proposal for an eight-to-10 team European league that could include up to four spots per season for top EuroLeague teams:
BREAKING: @NBA owners are set to vote this week on a proposed new European league.
– 8-10 franchises, sold to outside backers
– NBA would hold 50% of equity, franchises hold the rest
– Slots for a few @EuroLeague teams.More from me and @Soshnick 👇https://t.co/yJHlRJ8aGh
— Eben Novy-Williams (@novy_williams) March 25, 2025
According to Sportico, league owners are considering a semi-open proposal for the new league, allowing up to four spots for top EuroLeague teams, such as Spain’s Real Madrid and Greece’s Olympiacos. Franchises in cities like London or Paris could be sold for at least $500 million, with the league selling permanent franchise slots to outside investors, while the NBA retains 50% equity. The NBA has previously contemplated deeper partnerships with EuroLeague and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to enhance marketing opportunities, considering a broader international competition alongside the proposed league.
In addition, LeBron James’ agent and partner Maverick Carter is reportedly advising a group of investors attempting to raise $5 billion for an international league featuring men’s and women’s competitions that would “rival” the NBA and WNBA. Although details are scarce, notable figures such as Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice and former Facebook executive Grady Burnett are said to be involved. This new NBA initiative could potentially attract these investors to the new franchises, but the concept differs significantly from Carter’s proposal, aiming specifically at Europe rather than positioning itself as an NBA competitor.
Notably, the relationship between the NBA and EuroLeague remains complex. The NBA has worked with EuroLeague on multiple fronts and envisions slots for EuroLeague teams in this new league. However, concerns arise regarding how EuroLeague and its ownership groups will respond to this potential shift in the European basketball landscape.
Despite these challenges, the market appears promising, with substantial demand for international broadcasting and games. The NBA already boasts a significant number of international players, and with the recent success of European-born MVPs, interest in a league affiliated with the NBA may grow among European prospects, particularly with the closure of the G-League Ignite franchise limiting pathways to the NBA.
This expansion is not the NBA’s first foray into international waters; since the launch of the Basketball Africa League in 2021 and their ongoing presence in China, they have sought to broaden their reach. The NBA has also organized games across various countries, including France and Japan. The proposed ownership structure mirrors that of the WNBA, which has evolved since its inception, potentially appealing to NBA owners given the league’s growth.
Key questions remain regarding whether NBA owners will ratify this plan, especially given mixed sentiments among powerful owners like James Dolan, who face financial issues with their regional sports networks. If approval is secured, the focus will shift to finding suitable outside investors, gauging EuroLeague participation, and navigating the competitive landscape for talent. With a finite pool of elite players, if this European league materializes, it could present an attractive option for many athletes.
