NBA Negotiates with FIBA to Establish European League for 2026-2027 Season

NBA is in discussions with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to establish a European league for the 2026-2027 season, as confirmed by the North American league's commissioner, Adam Silver. He is confident that the new competition "will be accepted by the existing basketball ecosystem." The NBA aims to finally expand into Europe, with Spain, France, England, and Germany among the countries represented in a new tournament that would be "an independent league," although under the umbrella of FIBA, which has historically clashed with the Euroleague, the creator of the top continental competition.

"We can contribute to the growth of basketball in Europe, which already has significant interest. Similar to Africa, with an independent league, in partnership with existing leagues. With FIBA, we are progressing slowly, and we have also had direct conversations with all stakeholders, respecting the traditions of European sport," stated Adam Silver in an interview with Le Figaro. However, FIBA's Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis, recently acknowledged that a joint meeting with the NBA and the company operating the Euroleague was not possible.

FIBA Europe's President, Jorge Garbajosa, also advocates for "exploiting a part of commercial interests in Europe," with the NBA's entry into the Old Continent alongside the International Federation, although he does not hide that the ongoing conflict with the Euroleague is detrimental to basketball. "Thirteen clubs cannot decide the fate of 600 European clubs," laments Garbajosa, referring to the Euroleague's owners, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Baskonia, who have committed to remain united with the major competition for another fourteen years, until 2040.