Adam Silver confirms NBA–FIBA plans for new European league

NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed on Thursday, January 15, that the league is moving forward with an ambitious plan—together with FIBA—to launch a new professional basketball league in Europe, signaling a major shift in the global structure of the sport.

Silver made the announcement during the NBA’s showcase games in Berlin, a city steeped in basketball history. Although he did not reveal a definitive timeline, the commissioner’s decision to discuss the project in Germany was symbolic. Germany currently holds both the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket titles, marking what Silver described as a “golden era” for the sport in the country.

“We are the fastest-growing sport right now in this country. There’s, in essence, a golden era, I would say, of the sport. The 1936 Olympics here in Berlin, that’s when basketball was first introduced into the Olympic movement. In fact, James Naismith came here to Berlin for those games and purportedly tossed up the ball for the opening tip of the Games. So, there is that long history here,” Silver said, acknowledging the deep historical roots of basketball in Europe.

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While many key details are still being finalized, early reports indicate that the NBA and FIBA are targeting October 2027 as a tentative launch date. The proposed structure includes a 16-team league, with 12 permanent franchises and an additional four clubs qualifying through a competitive process, creating a blend of stability and opportunity similar to international football competitions.

Silver emphasized that the interest from European clubs, corporate sponsors, and media networks has been strong, fueling optimism that the project will materialize on schedule.

“I would just say we continue to be enormously excited about it. We have been meeting with clubs that are interested in participating in our league. We have been in discussions with other potential stakeholders, including media companies that would like to cover it, potential media partners and traditional sponsors who want to work with us on the league,” he said.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver on the funding of NBA Europe:

“The funding will potentially come from, at least initially, the member clubs of the league…

If we were to successfully launch this new league, it would take a while before it is a viable commercial enterprise” pic.twitter.com/o47kSsGtWa

— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) January 15, 2026

He added that the NBA and FIBA are also assessing arena infrastructure across Europe, aiming to elevate facilities to NBA standards while supporting the long-term sustainability of the project.

“We are looking at the opportunity to grow the arena infrastructure, not just here in Germany but throughout the continent. It’s something that we are enormously excited about.

“I think it’s critically important that we respect the traditions of European basketball, we are trying to find the best combination of the old and new, tradition and innovation. I think frankly, that’s what the NBA brings to the table. I think it’s also why it’s important not only to have FIBA as our partner but existing basketball organizations who understand the culture of European basketball, understand the traditions, the history, what makes European basketball unique in so many ways,” Silver added.

The NBA-FIBA partnership is expected to focus on major markets across the continent. Potential franchise locations reportedly include:

• England: London, Manchester 
• France: Paris, Lyon 
• Spain: Madrid, Barcelona 
• Italy: Rome, Milan 
• Germany: Munich, Berlin 
• Greece: Athens 
• Turkey: Istanbul 

These cities represent some of Europe’s largest basketball markets and strongest fan bases, offering the infrastructure and commercial appeal necessary for a global league.

If the plan proceeds as envisioned, the new European league could significantly reshape the international basketball landscape—providing a pathway for elite European clubs to operate under a unified NBA-FIBA framework, enhancing talent development, and expanding the NBA’s global footprint in one of the world’s most basketball-rich regions.

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