Overview
- NBA Europe chief George Aivazoglou outlined a plan for twelve fixed franchises plus four qualifying spots and said preparations are progressing.
- Twelve candidate host cities were named, including Berlin, Munich, London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Athens and Istanbul.
- Qualification for the four additional places would run through the FIBA Basketball Champions League or strong performance in selected national leagues.
- Aivazoglou cautioned that the inaugural season could start with fewer than 16 teams as final confirmations and funding are still being secured.
- Investor talks are underway and an intercontinental tournament pitting NBA Europe clubs against NBA teams is being explored, while Commissioner Adam Silver called a 2027 start ambitious but feasible.