The vision for NBA Europe has gained unprecedented clarity after a recent significant meeting. Key participants included the chief investment fund of Saudi Arabia, leading European basketball and soccer clubs, a major global streaming platform, a prominent shoe manufacturer, and possibly a figurehead for this new league, all gathered to discuss the future of basketball on the continent.
Among the 250 attendees at a luxurious hotel in London, just a stone's throw from the Thames River, was Pau Gasol, a Hall of Famer. Reports suggest he is being considered for a major role in this ambitious European endeavor led by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
Gasol expressed his enthusiasm to the assembly, saying, "This is a very unique opportunity. It’s all about learning from each other. It’s about creating this new venture together. We’re discussing the league, but it encompasses so much more. It's about building an ecosystem, supporting grassroots initiatives, enhancing domestic leagues, and positively impacting children. There’s a lot at stake, which makes this initiative incredibly significant and impactful, and I’m thrilled to be involved."
While The Athletic attempted to reach Gasol for further insights about his impending involvement with the European league, sources indicate he is a frontrunner for a critical position. However, it's still unclear what the leadership hierarchy will look like—whether it will feature a singular commissioner or multiple executives.
The presence of representatives from powerhouse clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, along with other notable teams such as Olimpia Milano, Panathinaikos, ASVEL, Bayern Munich, and Alba Berlin, underscored their eagerness to become part of NBA Europe. In fact, NBA officials recently held private discussions with Fenerbahce, a leading European team in Istanbul, signaling continued outreach to elite organizations.
Further indicating the project's scope, delegates from the English soccer giant Manchester City attended, alongside executives from AC Milan. This suggests a potential interest in either launching new teams in their respective cities or deepening investments in existing franchises. Notably, Manchester City is owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group, which serves as an investment vehicle for Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan.
Moreover, the Qatar Sports Investments firm, known for owning the renowned soccer club Paris Saint-Germain, has also been linked to Silver's NBA Europe initiative. This organization is among several exploring possibilities to either partner with established basketball clubs or create new teams in select urban areas. League insiders revealed that entities holding five percent or less of an NBA franchise will be allowed to own a team in NBA Europe.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has stakes in Newcastle United and LIV Golf, was represented at the meeting, showcasing the project’s allure to international investors.
Several investment firms were present, including Lazard, with a branch in Manchester; Rothschild, which has previously advised Tottenham Hotspur; Sixth Street, which has ties with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid; as well as the private equity titan Blackstone and Arctos, known for its stakes in various European clubs, including Liverpool FC.
Remarks from executives of Nike, a potential lead sponsor for the league, and Amazon Prime, a possible media collaborator for NBA Europe, added to the significance of the discussions. Alongside them, Adam Silver, deputy commissioner Mark Tatum, and George Aivazoglou, managing director of the NBA in Europe and the Middle East, addressed the audience. Additionally, Andreas Zagklis, the secretary general of FIBA, the NBA's partner in this venture and the governing body for international basketball, spoke, along with Gasol, former NBA player Tony Parker, who owns ASVEL, and Zlatan Ibrahimović, ex-soccer superstar and senior adviser to AC Milan.
The gathering aimed to provide stakeholders with an insightful overview of what is being branded as "NBA Europe." Perhaps one of the most significant takeaways from the symposium was the caliber of individuals present. Gerry Cardinale, founder and managing partner of RedBird Capital, which owns AC Milan, emphasized, "If we execute this correctly, it could become one of the most exceptional developments in sports. This is why Silver refers to it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance, not just a once-in-a-generation opportunity."
The target launch for NBA Europe is set for October 2027, with plans to feature 12 licensed or permanent teams located in cities like Athens, Manchester, Lyon (home to ASVEL), Barcelona, London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Munich, Berlin, Istanbul, and Madrid. Additionally, there will be four qualifying spots available annually for almost any professional team across Europe.
Though a comprehensive rulebook has yet to be established, it is anticipated that one of the annual competition slots in NBA Europe will be allocated to the champion of FIBA's annual European tournament, known as the Champions League. The remaining three positions will be determined through a qualifying tournament organized by FIBA, which will involve top-performing teams from various domestic leagues. If everything unfolds as expected, these qualification competitions are projected to occur in June 2027, according to international sources.
Also present at the symposium were officials from JPMorgan Chase and the Raine Group, two banks assisting the NBA with its European ambitions. Discussions regarding entrance fees for the 12 teams are currently underway, with indications that the fees may fluctuate based on the market size of each team.
While the 30 NBA owners in the United States and Canada have yet to give their final approval for NBA Europe, it is evident that momentum is building towards that inevitable conclusion. Furthermore, Amazon's Prime Video has embarked on an 11-year partnership to stream NBA games, suggesting that NBA Europe's overarching media strategy will likely involve multiple partners.
