The NBA threatens the EuroLeague again with exclusion from its European project: "We are moving forward"

The NBA does not plan to backtrack on its ambitious project for European basketball. Despite the rejection this week by the EuroLeague team owners of the merger proposal put forward by the American league, the NBA and FIBA have reaffirmed their intention to promote a new professional men's league in Europe.

Both organizations issued a joint statement on Thursday, making it clear that the rejection does not change their plans. The initiative, developed over nearly two years, aims to create a new structure for European basketball and open a stage in which the NBA has a direct presence on the continent.

“The partnership between the EuroLeague, FIBA, and the NBA to unify the European basketball ecosystem would unlock the enormous potential of this sport across Europe, benefiting clubs, players, and, above all, fans,” stated both institutions.

The statement also served to confirm that the project will move forward despite the EuroLeague owners' refusal. “The NBA and FIBA remain committed to advancing a new professional men's league in Europe and helping to build a stronger and more sustainable basketball ecosystem alongside partners who share our vision for growth, opportunities, and the fundamental principles of the European sports model,” they added.

The EuroLeague rejects the offer, but negotiations continue

The disagreement arose after the NBA submitted a formal merger proposal to the EuroLeague last month. The leadership of the European competition met this week near Lake Como, Italy, and decided to reject the offer, believing it undervalued the organization, according to sources cited by ESPN.

The decision has highlighted the differences between both parties after months of discussions. However, the rejection does not necessarily signify the definitive end of negotiations, as there is still room to reach an agreement.

One of the aspects contributing to the complexity of the discussions is the interest from several EuroLeague clubs in joining the NBA's new project. Although the competition's owners rejected the joint proposal, several members have engaged in long conversations with the American league and are reportedly seriously interested in participating in NBA Europe.

FC Barcelona, one of the clubs participating in the EuroLeague, stated this week that both the organization and the competition itself would be willing to consider a modified offer from the NBA and FIBA. This position leaves the door open for negotiations to continue despite the initial rejection.

Additionally, EuroLeague executives reportedly discussed the possibility of expanding the competition beyond its 13 licensed clubs. This measure could help strengthen their position and complicate the NBA's efforts to establish agreements with teams and partners in specific European markets.

The NBA is preparing a 16-team league for 2027

While the standoff with the EuroLeague continues, the NBA is working on the details of its future competition. The American organization has received expansion proposals for new franchises in various Western European markets, while also detecting interest from clubs already competing on the continent.

The plan envisions a 16-team league that could start as early as 2027. This initiative would represent a significant change in the structure of European basketball, particularly if it succeeds in attracting established entities currently participating in major national and continental competitions.

The NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, and deputy commissioner Mark Tatum, who is in charge of the European project, are in Macao this week for the NBA China Games featuring the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks.

Although both executives have commitments with Asian partners, the evolution of the European negotiations remains one of the organization's top priorities.

The NBA's goal is not limited to creating an alternative competition but aims to contribute to a broader transformation of the European basketball ecosystem. Collaboration with FIBA is a central piece of that strategy, although the EuroLeague's rejection demonstrates that significant differences still exist regarding how the project should be developed.

A new battle for the future of European basketball

The EuroLeague was founded in 2001 after a season marked by the confrontation between two rival competitions, one of which was organized by FIBA. Since then, the relationship among various basketball organizations in Europe has been shaped by disputes over control of competitions and the business model.

In the 2025-2026 season, the EuroLeague expanded its participation to 20 teams, seven of which qualified through their national leagues or via invitation. This growth reflects the scale the tournament has reached and helps explain why its owners believe that the value of the competition must be considered in any negotiation with the NBA.

The rejection of the merger offer therefore opens a new phase of uncertainty. The NBA and FIBA maintain their intention to create NBA Europe, while the EuroLeague seeks to defend its position and evaluate potential alternatives.

For now, there is no definitive agreement between the parties. The possibility of resuming talks remains on the table, but the future of European basketball will depend on whether both organizations can reconcile their positions regarding the value of the competition, club participation, and the sports model that should govern the new structure.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La NBA amenaza otra vez a la Euroliga con dejarla fuera en su proyecto europeo: "Seguimos adelante"