NBA Outlines Europe League Plan, Targets Club Bids in Early 2026

Overview

• Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said bidding for teams is expected to open in the first quarter of 2026, contingent on approvals from NBA owners and FIBA.
• Tatum cited Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, FC Bayern Munich and LDLC ASVEL as example candidates under consideration, stressing that no decisions are final.
• Permanent franchises are expected in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Greece, with a play-in path for other clubs from markets such as Lithuania, Serbia and Croatia.
• Plans discussed include a 2027 kickoff as a smaller play-in season before a full rollout in 2028–29, according to remarks reported from the SBJ Dealmakers event.
• Tatum outlined competition links such as a preseason cup featuring NBA vs. European clubs in the near term and potential NBA Cup berths for top European teams over the medium term.