Overview

• Commissioner Adam Silver said he can envision clubs from Europe and possibly Africa entering the NBA playoffs, with initial participation likely through the in-season NBA Cup.
• The league is working on a new European competition that could begin in 2027 or 2028 as part of a staged integration pathway.
• Silver outlined potential progression from Cup appearances to a cross-border regular season featuring games against NBA franchises.
• Talks with Euroleague, FIBA and major clubs are ongoing but slow, as figures like FC Bayern president Herbert Hainer call for a workable coexistence rather than rival leagues.
• The NBA is offering significant financial incentives and marquee matchups to attract clubs, with reporting of summer discussions that included Real Madrid, and a regular-season game is set for Berlin on January 15, 2026.