According to Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico, the NBA is considering an ambitious project in Europe that could potentially exclude EuroLeague.
Sources told Badenhausen that the NBA has been in discussions with FIBA and EuroLeague for several years about how to increase its popularity on the continent, given the number of European-born NBA stars. That's what it means. The new plan could create an independent NBA Europa League that would be run in conjunction with FIBA.
In February, the NBA hired Reign Group Investment Banking to explore opportunities in Europe (Badenhausen). Both the NBA and Reign declined to comment on the Badenhausen story, but said the league is determined to expand its operations in Europe.
The league, run by the NBA and FIBA, will be established similar to the Basketball Africa League, which was launched in 2021. Badenhausen expects the NBA to target investors with existing ties to Europe as strategic investors for the project.
According to Badenhausen, holding an international tournament that would bring together top teams from Europe and the world is also being considered, along with FIBA's Intercontinental Cup. He added that these negotiations are still in the preliminary stages.
Laine predicts the NBA will make up to $3 billion a year from expanding its operations in Europe and the Middle East.
