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NBA Eyes European League With Real Madrid, Barca
20 Nov
Summary
- NBA may launch a European league with 16 teams soon.
- Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich are potential clubs.
- The league could feature preseason games against NBA teams.
The NBA is reportedly moving closer to launching its own European league, with current EuroLeague powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich being considered as potential participants. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum has publicly acknowledged these discussions, marking a significant step in the league's global expansion efforts. While no definitive decisions have been made, the NBA is exploring various investment opportunities and club structures for this ambitious project.
The envisioned European league is slated to comprise 16 teams, with an anticipated core of 10 to 12 permanent members situated in major European cities. A unique aspect involves four teams potentially qualifying through existing tournaments like FIBA's Basketball Champions League. The league's operational timeline suggests a play-in season around 2027-28, with the full league commencing in 2028-29, pending NBA owner approval.
Looking further ahead, the NBA has broad aspirations for its European venture, including the possibility of its teams playing against NBA franchises in preseason games and potentially the NBA Cup. The ultimate vision is for the European league to evolve into a distinct division of the NBA, fostering a truly global basketball landscape as international travel and infrastructure continue to advance.
