Adam Silver: NBA Europe Talks With EuroLeague Ongoing, League Set for 2027 Launch

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has stated that discussions with the EuroLeague concerning the proposed NBA Europe league are progressing. He emphasized that the plan for the European market will move forward, irrespective of whether a collaboration with the EuroLeague materializes.

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What we are planning is to start a 16-team league, with 12 permanent teams, and then the possibility for any team in Europe to play in the spots that remain.

Silver clarified that the design for the European venture is already underway, and extensive discussions have been held regarding the project. Mark Tatum had previously confirmed on June 2 that NBA Europe aims to launch in October 2027, indicating the NBA's readiness to proceed with FIBA and other partners, even without a formal agreement with the EuroLeague.

The NBA envisions a 16-team league, featuring 12 permanent members, with opportunities for other European teams to fill remaining spots. This structure is being discussed with potential participating teams. Some are existing European clubs, while others are new entities looking to establish teams in cities currently lacking high-level basketball.

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This is the structure that we will use, which we are talking about with these potential teams. Some are teams that play in Europe, and then there are some teams that are joining and want to start teams in cities that do not have high-level basketball right now.

Regarding the EuroLeague, Silver acknowledged that talks are ongoing. "We hope we find a way to integrate these functions into the EuroLeague, but we will move forward whatever happens," he stated. The NBA is committed to advancing the NBA Europe initiative, signaling a significant potential shift in the European basketball landscape.

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Regarding the EuroLeague, discussions are ongoing. We hope we find a way to integrate these functions into the EuroLeague, but we will move forward whatever happens.