Barcelona’s EuroLeague Commitment Complicates NBA’s Europe Push

Overview

• Barcelona has informed EuroLeague it intends to sign a 10-year extension, indicating a flagship club is committing to stay.
• EuroLeague sent the NBA a Jan. 9 letter warning of potential legal action over talks with teams under long-term contracts.
• Nine of EuroLeague’s 13 permanent clubs have extended for a decade, and exits would trigger a €10 million fee plus potential damages.
• Adam Silver is in London and Berlin pitching investors and partners on a semi-open league that could start in 2027 with a 50% NBA stake and franchises valued up to $1 billion.
• Some targeted ownership groups, including major football club owners, have pushed back on the proposed entry costs and valuation assumptions.