The NBA has secured finalized bids from over 20 groups competing for slots in NBA Europe, a new 16-team league set to launch in October 2027. Multiple bids exceeded $1 billion in select markets, with viable groups submitting proposals in all 12 target cities including London, Paris, Madrid, and Istanbul. The league will feature 12 permanent franchises and four promotion spots.

Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum called the bidding response encouraging, noting it represents the biggest capital influx European basketball has ever seen. The league will operate in partnership with FIBA, challenging the existing Euro League with a round-robin regular season followed by playoffs and finals. European teams can qualify through domestic champions tournaments or FIBA's Basketball Champions League.

Financial projections suggest franchises could break even by their third season, with the NBA forecasting over $10 billion distributed across the European basketball ecosystem in the first decade. This includes media rights, ticket sales, merchandise, and future franchise sales. The NBA Board of Governors and FIBA will now evaluate bids and announce winners on a rolling basis.

Several existing Euro League teams have already submitted bids for the inaugural season, signaling strong institutional support. The selection process will determine which ownership groups gain entry to this ambitious European venture that could reshape the sport's global landscape.