NBA Eyes Untapped Basketball Growth in Europe
The NBA is considering a 16-team league in Europe to unlock the region's growth potential while assuring it will complement the Euroleague system.
Published on April 15, 2025
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum reiterated on April 14, 2025, that European basketball, while immensely popular, has yet to reach its full potential. In response, the NBA is exploring the launch of a 16-team league in Europe in partnership with FIBA, focusing on major cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome that currently lack permanent Euroleague teams.
The proposed initiative is designed to complement the traditional Euroleague rather than replace it, despite concerns from European clubs about potential disruptions to longstanding basketball traditions. The discussion, which builds on ongoing evaluations including opportunities in markets like Greece, Turkey, and Serbia, aims to boost both basketball infrastructure and commercial viability across the continent.