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NBA Europe Billion-Dollar Franchise Bids

BBC Sport •
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The NBA has attracted substantial financial interest for its proposed European basketball league, with multiple billion-dollar bids submitted for franchises. "NBA Europe" would feature 10-16 permanent teams, including potential franchises from London and Manchester. Bids range from $500 million to over $1 billion, according to sources familiar with the expansion plans.

The potential new league faces resistance from the existing EuroBasket competition, which has threatened legal action against clubs attempting to break current agreements. More than a dozen European teams, including current EuroLeague participants, have engaged in talks with the NBA about joining the proposed venture, which could launch as early as the 2027-28 season.

NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum confirmed the strong marketplace response to the expansion plans, noting the bids reflect "the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball." The league would combine new franchises, established basketball teams, and football clubs seeking basketball operations. The NBA now enters a detailed review process to select partners aligned with their vision for European basketball growth.