The NBA and FIBA unveiled plans Thursday for a groundbreaking 16-team European basketball league, marking a landmark collaboration to boost the sport's global influence. The league, years in development, will blend FIBA's rules—including 40-minute games—with the NBA's commercial expertise, creating a pan-European circuit poised to redefine professional basketball.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the strategic timing of the venture, citing "enthusiastic support" from team owners and stakeholders. Specific details, including team selection and launch timelines, are pending final negotiations, though sources indicate venues could span major European cities.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis described the partnership as a "natural evolution" after successful collaborations like the FIBA World Cup and NBA Paris Games. Both organizations highlighted surging fan engagement and market readiness, with Silver calling feedback from European partners "overwhelmingly positive."
The initiative follows accelerated talks after the 2024 NBA Paris Games, where Silver met with league executives and sponsors. While challenges remain, particularly in harmonizing schedules with existing European leagues, analysts predict the venture could unlock new revenue streams and amplify basketball's cultural footprint.
