NBA commissioner Adam Silver wants to "tap into" Europe's football culture for a proposed NBA Europe league. He's spoken with Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris St-Germain, though BBC Sport understands City and United won't field teams. The league could launch as soon as 2027-28 with up to 16 teams.

Silver's vision blends new franchises with existing basketball and football clubs, aiming to leverage football's deep fan loyalty. He acknowledges the need to respect European traditions while seeking to grow basketball's appeal. This move follows the NBA's first regular-season game in London since 2019, signaling a strategic push into a crowded sports market.

The plan faces immediate hurdles, as the established EuroLeague has threatened legal action against clubs breaking existing agreements. Silver remains cautious, stating he doesn't want to "fool" anyone into thinking football's fervor can be easily transferred. The success of NBA Europe will depend on navigating these legal battles and winning over a continent already passionate about its own sports.