NBA and FIBA to Proceed With Independent European League After Merger Rejection

The NBA and FIBA confirmed on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, that they will proceed with the creation of a new professional basketball league in Europe, even after EuroLeague shareholder clubs formally rejected a merger proposal earlier this week. The joint statement signals a shift from a collaborative integration strategy to an independent expansion model as the NBA seeks to capture what it describes as a significant “value gap” in the region.

The decision follows a meeting on Oct. 6, where the 13 shareholder clubs of the EuroLeague voted to decline a merger offer valued at approximately €400 million ($448 million). With the rejection of that deal, the NBA and FIBA have activated a “Plan B” strategy that could see the new “NBA Europe” league launch as early as October 2027.

The new league structure is expected to focus on major commercial markets including London and Paris.

A 16-Team Blueprint for Europe

The proposed structure for the new league consists of 16 teams, featuring 12 permanent franchises and four spots determined by a qualification process. According to reports, the NBA is targeting major commercial hubs for its permanent anchors, with London, Manchester, and Paris identified as primary markets for expansion.

Investment requirements for these new franchises are expected to be substantial. Projected franchise fees for the new league are estimated to range from $500 million to more than $1 billion for high-value markets like London. This valuation reflects the NBA’s assessment that the European market is currently under-monetized. NBA Managing Director George Aivazoglou recently noted that European basketball is “reaching its potential” and currently suffers from a “serious value gap.”

The league’s timeline is currently set for an inaugural season in late 2027, though some industry analysts suggest a phased rollout stretching into 2028 may be necessary to secure the required infrastructure and broadcast agreements without the existing EuroLeague framework.

EuroLeague’s Counter-Expansion

The EuroLeague is moving to solidify its own position in response to the NBA’s independent push. Following the rejection of the merger, EuroLeague officials and shareholder clubs, including FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, have indicated they will move forward with plans to expand their own competition.

Current proposals involve expanding the EuroLeague from 20 to 24 teams. To stabilize the league against potential recruitment by the NBA, shareholder clubs are also considering a shift toward permanent franchise licenses for their core members. This would replace the current 10-year licensing cycle, theoretically making it more difficult for established European powerhouses to defect to a rival league.

As the two organizations move toward direct competition, the 16-team NBA Europe model remains the centerpiece of a projected $10 billion long-term investment strategy. According to The Washington Post, the NBA and FIBA intend to continue their partnership to streamline the basketball ecosystem in Europe, regardless of whether the EuroLeague eventually returns to the negotiating table.

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