NBA's European league plans face pushback from EuroLeague

NBA commissioner Adam Silver is meeting in Europe to build support for a new NBA-FIBA league, while the EuroLeague has warned it may take legal action over licensed clubs.

The NBA has returned to Europe this week to promote plans for a new NBA-FIBA continental league. Commissioner Adam Silver and senior NBA officials are meeting media partners, investors and club owners in Berlin and London. The EuroLeague has warned it may take legal action if the NBA engages with clubs it says are under contract. Silver said the project could take time to become a viable commercial enterprise and that the NBA is exploring growth opportunities, including a possible women's league in Europe. Key developments: - The NBA is working with FIBA on a proposed European league that would mirror parts of the EuroLeague structure, including anchor clubs and spots earned through domestic play. - The NBA listed targeted anchor cities including London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Munich, Barcelona, Madrid, Athens, Istanbul, Manchester and Lyon. - EuroLeague officials sent a letter to the NBA warning of potential legal action if the league engaged with teams it considers under contract. - Of the 20 EuroLeague teams, eight are in cities named by the NBA; the EuroLeague has 13 licensed 'A' clubs and nine of those have re-signed extensions so far. - Sources say some license agreements include out clauses reported to be worth about $10 million, which could allow clubs to depart for a new venture. - NBA officials have set a soft target of October 2027 for a possible launch, and Silver has said discussions with rights holders and club owners are ongoing. Summary: The situation has set up a potential conflict between the NBA's expansion plans and the EuroLeague's contractual framework, with legal warnings and ongoing negotiations reported. NBA leaders are holding talks this week with media rights holders, investors and club owners, and some EuroLeague clubs have recently committed to license extensions while others face deadlines. Undetermined at this time.