Overview
- EuroLeague shareholder clubs voted by a supermajority to reject the NBA’s formal proposal to merge into a single NBA Europe entity, the decision coming at a meeting in Cernobbio on Tuesday.
- At the same meeting owners agreed to convert existing 10‑year licences into permanent franchises and to continue plans to expand the EuroLeague’s field to as many as 24 teams.
- EuroLeague leaders and several owners said the NBA offer undervalued the competition and sought operational control that would strip clubs of brand and governance rights.
- The NBA has not paused its NBA Europe project and continues planning for a 14–16 team league aimed at a 2027 debut, though sources say a launch could slip to fall 2028 if no deal with EuroLeague is reached.
- With some clubs open to further talks and others firmly opposed, the outcome could produce rival top‑level competitions in Europe and reshape media rights, sponsorships and club valuations.