Overview
- Adam Silver said the NBA has held discussions with Paris Saint‑Germain and Real Madrid about a proposed 16‑team European competition targeting an October 2027 start under a semi‑open format with 12 permanent clubs.
- EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas voiced skepticism about the plan, expressed confidence that shareholder clubs will stay, and pointed to contractual consequences as the league warned the NBA in a formal letter over recruiting its teams.
- Barcelona has signaled it will sign a new 10‑year EuroLeague license, Fenerbahçe is leaning to remain, and Real Madrid and ASVEL are widely linked to the NBA‑FIBA project, with Silver noting ASVEL owner Tony Parker is consulting on the effort.
- Silver said the venture is open to sovereign wealth funds, family offices and private equity, with JPMorgan and The Raine Group advising, and franchise fees reported in the $500 million to $1 billion range by industry outlets.
- Target markets identified include London and Manchester as well as Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Munich, Berlin, Athens and Istanbul, with plans to blend existing clubs and new franchises and to prioritize broad broadcast and streaming reach.