Particle.news
Download on the App Store

NBA Names 12 Target Cities for Europe League, Eyes October 2027 Debut

The proposed 16-team format would reserve four places for clubs that qualify through competition.

Overview

  • Permanent slots are being mapped to London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Munich, Athens and Istanbul.
  • NBA Europe chief Giorgos Aivazoglou said the first season could be a “semi-opening” if all 16 places are not ready by October 2027.
  • Four berths would be awarded to the Basketball Champions League winner and three qualifiers from selected domestic leagues.
  • Talks with clubs, investors and other stakeholders are ongoing with no franchise deals announced, as JPMorgan Chase and the Raine Group advise on finances and strategy.
  • Officials are considering a post-launch tournament between NBA and European teams, and the Magic and Grizzlies will play in Berlin and London in January as part of market engagement.