The NBA and FIBA have said they will move forward with a new professional men's league in Europe, despite EuroLeague team owners rejecting a merger offer this week. In a joint statement released Thursday, the two organizations said they remain committed to building a stronger, more sustainable basketball ecosystem alongside partners who share their vision of growth and opportunity.
Sources told ESPN that the door to negotiation remains open. Last month, after nearly two years of development, the NBA presented a formal merger offer to EuroLeague. Its leadership met this week on the banks of Lake Como in Italy and voted to turn the offer down, believing it undervalued the league. EuroLeague also reportedly discussed expanding beyond its current 13 license holders, a move that could potentially block the NBA from certain cities and partners. Still, several EuroLeague members have held extensive talks with the NBA and are believed to be seriously interested in joining a new NBA Europe. Barcelona said its team and the league would be open to considering an amended offer.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and deputy commissioner Mark Tatum, who has led the European project, are in Macao for the league's China Games featuring the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks. While meeting with Asian partners, their focus has been on the developing situation in Europe. The NBA has received expansion offers for new franchises across Western Europe, has drawn interest from existing teams, and plans a 16-team league to start as early as 2027.
EuroLeague was formed in 2001 after two rival leagues, one operated by FIBA, competed against each other for a season. It expanded to 20 teams in the 2025-26 season, with seven clubs qualifying through domestic leagues or by invitation.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing