NBA in Europe?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is taking bold steps toward expanding its global footprint — this time by setting its sights on Europe. Reports indicate that the league is actively exploring the creation of a European division, with a potential launch window between 2027 and 2028.

At the core of the discussions is a proposed partnership with FIBA, the international governing body of basketball, to ensure global alignment and cooperation. The plan reportedly involves 16 teams — 12 permanent franchises and 4 qualifying teams each season — creating a competitive format that mirrors European soccer’s structure of stability and promotion. This new league would operate as a separate entity from the NBA, designed to cultivate local talent, enhance fan engagement, and strengthen basketball’s cultural roots across the continent.

The long-term vision is ambitious: to establish a full-fledged NBA ecosystem within European sports culture. Beyond growing basketball’s fan base, this could pave the way for NBA vs. international club matchups, bridging the gap between American and European basketball in a way never seen before. If executed successfully, the economic ripple effects could be substantial—spurring new arenas, media rights deals, sponsorships, and youth development pipelines that reshape the European sports economy much like major U.S. leagues have done domestically.

But the big question remains: will European fans and players embrace the NBA’s distinct, entertainment-driven style of basketball—or will they hold onto the traditional, system-oriented approach that defines the European game?