The dispute over the future of European basketball is escalating, with the EuroLeague and NBA Europe moving forward with their plans, even though the two sides have yet to find common ground. EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno made it clear that his organization is prepared even for a direct confrontation if an agreement that benefits everyone cannot be reached.
NBA Europe, which has the support of FIBA and the NBA, is set to launch in October 2027 and is expected to consist of 16 teams, 12 of which will have permanent spots, while the remaining four will be determined through annual qualifiers.
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Meanwhile, the EuroLeague has its own ambitious plans. Starting in the 2027–28 season, it plans to increase the number of teams from 20 to 24, while seeking to expand its presence in major European markets, such as Paris, London, Milan, and Naples.
Bueno even revealed that the EuroLeague already has 12 binding proposals for new long-term licenses, with a total value of just over 800 million euros.
Should the two sides fail to reach an agreement, the EuroLeague is determined to proceed independently. The Spanish official emphasized that a partnership could prove beneficial for both organizations, while warning that the creation of two competing European leagues could lead to market fragmentation.
“If we don’t reach an agreement in Europe, we’ll compete in Europe. That was the discussion we had internally, and if necessary, we are ready. It has to be a partnership that works for both of us, not just one. We know that the NBA can help make certain things work, so we should follow the NBA’s lead, just as the NBA should follow the local intellectual property of the clubs. The teams have been around for 100 years and have a lot to offer the NBA.
If you have two leagues, it will fragment value—both institutionally and commercially—in terms of television rights and fan attendance. “We’ve both said that, if there’s no agreement, we must move forward with our plans. They’re continuing with their process, and I’m sticking to my own plan,” Bueno explained in detail.
*photo source: euroleaguebasketball.net
