After months of talks, announcements and both sides testing the waters, the first concrete step that could shape the future of European basketball has been made. The NBA has sent EuroLeague an official proposal, and the two sides are now considering the possibility of working together. Details of the proposal have not yet been made public.
The news marks a significant change from where things stood just ten days ago. EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno confirmed on September 17 that the competition had not received any formal proposal from the NBA at that point, even though talks were already underway. Maccabi president Shimon Mizrahi had made similar comments earlier, adding that any eventual proposal would be discussed at a meeting of EuroLeague club owners.
October 5 Becomes the Key Date
The NBA has since taken the next step. Commissioner Adam Silver, following the Board of Governors meeting in mid-September, confirmed that progress had been made in talks with EuroLeague and openly stated that he believes European basketball would benefit more if the two sides moved forward together. At the same time, he stressed that the NBA would not abandon its NBA Europe project if an agreement could not be reached.
The next important date is October 5, when EuroLeague club owners are scheduled to meet at Villa d’Este on Lake Como. Earlier in September, Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the NBA’s potential proposal was expected to be discussed at that meeting, along with EuroLeague’s alternative plan, which includes expanding the competition and moving toward a system of permanent franchises.
The Most Important Details Are Still Unknown
The financial and ownership details of the proposal are still unknown. Previous reports have also mentioned the possibility of the NBA acquiring a controlling stake in EuroLeague, but at this point, the only confirmed development is that a formal proposal has been submitted and is now in the hands of the European side.
In parallel with its talks with EuroLeague, the NBA is continuing to develop the NBA Europe project together with FIBA. The plan is for the new competition to launch in 2027, with a combination of permanent members and clubs that could earn their places through a qualification system.
For the first time, however, there is now a concrete proposal on the table. After months of discussion over whether the NBA and EuroLeague will move forward together or go their separate ways, the final answer is now expected on October 5…
