The NBA is set to announce winning bidders for 12 permanent teams in a new European league within the next 60 to 90 days, according to Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum in an exclusive interview. The league is expected to debut in October 2027, featuring teams located in cities such as Rome, Milan, London, and Paris. In addition to the permanent teams, the league will include four rotating clubs comprised of FIBA-affiliated teams in Europe, which will change annually based on performance.
Bids for the teams must be submitted by the end of June, with the NBA prioritizing strong operators willing to invest in state-of-the-art stadiums. Currently, Tatum acknowledges a shortage of high-quality basketball arenas in Europe. The NBA aims to form partnerships not just with existing basketball teams, but also with soccer clubs interested in expanding into basketball, as well as individual investors.
Despite basketball ranking as the second-most popular sport in Europe, Tatum pointed out that it captures less than 1% of the commercial market share, despite an estimated 300 million basketball fans in the region. The NBA is exploring inter-league play opportunities, including potential preseason games between NBA Europe teams and their North American counterparts, as well as integrating these teams into the midseason Emirates NBA Cup.
Tatum also highlighted considerable interest from potential media partners for broadcasting NBA Europe games, emphasizing the league’s global appeal. Furthermore, he discussed the investment opportunities in the NBA’s Basketball Africa League, which contributes significantly to the continent’s GDP and is poised for growth.
Key Points:
- Why this story matters: The introduction of NBA teams in Europe could significantly expand the league’s global footprint and revenue potential.
- Key takeaway: The NBA seeks to enhance its presence in Europe through strategic partnerships and infrastructure investment.
- Opposing viewpoint: Critics may argue that introducing a European league could dilute the brand and experience of the established NBA in North America.
