The NBA and FIBA announced they will continue developing a 16-team professional men's league in Europe despite EuroLeague owners rejecting a merger offer this week.
The NBA and FIBA released a joint statement on Thursday confirming they will proceed with the NBA Europe plan despite EuroLeague team owners rejecting a formal merger offer. The proposed venture aims to launch a 16-team professional men’s league as early as 2027. This development follows a vote by EuroLeague leadership at Lake Como in Italy, where owners turned down the NBA’s proposal on the grounds that it undervalued their current league.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum is currently leading the project, which has already collected expansion offers for new franchises across Western Europe. While the EuroLeague expanded to 20 teams for the 2025-26 season, multiple current member clubs have reportedly held extensive talks with the NBA regarding the new venture. FC Barcelona indicated this week that they remain open to considering an amended offer from the NBA and FIBA.
The NBA’s formal merger proposal was the result of two years of development. In response to the rejection, EuroLeague officials discussed further expansion beyond their 13 license holders, a move sources describe as an attempt to block the NBA from specific partners and cities. Despite the current tension, sources told ESPN that an open door for further negotiations remains between the organizations.
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