NBA and FIBA Plan New 16-Team European League

The NBA, along with FIBA, is exploring the establishment of a new European basketball league, aiming to capitalize on the sport's popularity on the continent. The plan envisions a 16-team league with 12 permanent teams and 4 qualifying teams, potentially integrating existing EuroLeague clubs like Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis emphasize that the new league would adhere to FIBA's 40-minute game format and seek to unite the European basketball ecosystem. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between basketball's popularity in Europe and its commercial development, with Silver noting positive feedback from commercial partners and TV networks. While the Euroleague has expressed willingness to engage in discussions, specifics on team participation and launch timelines remain undetermined. This initiative signifies a potential historic shift in European basketball, leveraging the NBA's global brand and FIBA's regional expertise.