PSG wants an NBA team in Europe

For years, the possibility of having an NBA franchise in Paris has been a dream for basketball fans in the French capital. Now, this aspiration could become a reality. The American league has contacted the leaders of Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), the main shareholder of PSG, with the proposal to establish a franchise in the city. A spokesperson for the Parisian club confirmed interest in the initiative: "We have expressed our interest."

This approach reaffirms the NBA's intention to expand into Europe as soon as possible. According to the Spanish outlet "Sportico," the league is considering launching a European championship starting from the 2026-2027 season, with around ten teams. Cities being considered for this league include Madrid, Barcelona, Munich, Berlin, London, Manchester, Milan, Rome, Istanbul, Athens, and, of course, Paris.

The selection of these venues is not accidental. The NBA aims to establish itself in cities with financially stable and globally prominent soccer clubs. Examples of these are Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and PSG, which could serve as strategic partners in this project.

Buying Paris Basketball or Starting a New Club?

Among the options presented to QSI is the possibility of acquiring an existing club in Paris or the Île-de-France region or creating a new entity independent of PSG, with the involvement of other investors. None of these alternatives has been ruled out by the Qatari group.

If the first pathway is chosen, Paris Basketball emerges as the most logical candidate. Founded in 2018 by two American entrepreneurs with NBA experience, the club has grown rapidly and currently competes in the EuroLeague, Europe's premier club competition. Its owner, Éric Schwartz, is currently in Europe, sparking speculations about potential negotiations.

Last December, David Kahn, president of Paris Basketball, expressed enthusiasm about the NBA's arrival in Europe. "It would be huge. With Adam (Silver, NBA Commissioner), we are friends and will meet in January," he mentioned in reference to a planned meeting during the Spurs and Pacers games at the Accor Arena in Paris.

Adam Silver and Nasser Al-Khelaïi Discussed NBA in Paris

Paris Basketball has gained popularity in recent years and has a growing fan base. Since 2024, it plays in the modern Adidas Arena, with an 8,000-seat capacity, and can move key matches to the Accor Arena, seating 16,000. However, the club has refrained from commenting on the potential NBA expansion in the city.

Another option under consideration is creating an entirely new team, separate from PSG but linked to the NBA through partnerships with other investors. The American league has suggested that PSG could associate its name with this franchise. In this regard, Arctos, which holds a 12.5% stake in PSG and involves player Kevin Durant, could play a key role in expanding the club's brand in the North American market. Strategies like participation in the FIFA Club World Cup and an alliance with Jordan Brand reinforce this projection.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El PSG quiere un equipo NBA en Europa