NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has reaffirmed the league's ambitious plans to establish a new professional basketball circuit in Europe, stating the organization remains "enormously excited" about the prospect. Speaking in Berlin ahead of an NBA Europe game, Silver provided updates on the long-discussed project being developed in partnership with international basketball governing body FIBA.
Building on a Basketball Boom in Europe
Silver's comments came before a game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic in the German capital, part of the NBA's ongoing efforts to grow its brand internationally. He highlighted Germany's current status as a basketball powerhouse, holding both the World Cup and EuroBasket titles, as symbolic of the sport's rising popularity across the continent.
The commissioner pointed to the deep historical roots, noting basketball was first introduced to the Olympics at the 1936 Berlin Games, with inventor James Naismith himself in attendance. Today, the NBA is fueled by European talent, with stars like Serbia's Nikola Jokić, Greece's Giannis Antetokounmpo, France's Victor Wembanyama, and Slovenia's Luka Dončić following the path blazed by German legend Dirk Nowitzki.
The Framework for a New League
While formal announcements on timelines and team commitments are still pending, Silver confirmed that planning is actively progressing. The working target for the league's inaugural tip-off is October 2027. One model under consideration by the NBA and FIBA is a 16-team league, featuring 12 permanent franchises and four slots determined through a qualification process.
Potential host cities and countries have been identified, reflecting major European markets. The list includes London and Manchester in Britain; Paris and Lyon in France; Madrid and Barcelona in Spain; Rome and Milan in Italy; Munich and Berlin in Germany; Athens in Greece; and Istanbul in Turkey.
"We've been meeting with clubs that are interested in participating," Silver stated. "We've been in discussions with other potential stakeholders, including media companies... and traditional sponsors. We're looking at the opportunity to grow the arena infrastructure, not just here in Germany but throughout the continent."
A Long-Term, Cautious Investment
Silver was clear that launching the league is a massive undertaking that requires patience. He indicated that funding would initially come from the member clubs themselves, similar to a startup venture. However, he cautioned that a return on investment will not be immediate.
"It will take a while, I think, before it is a viable commercial enterprise," Silver said. "All the participants recognize that this is not for those who have a short-term perspective." This long-view approach extends to infrastructure, as new arenas will be needed in some markets, adding to the timeline and cost.
The commissioner also emphasized the importance of respecting European basketball traditions. He has consulted with current players, including Orlando's Franz Wagner and Dallas's Luka Dončić, to blend the best of the existing European model with NBA innovation. "We're trying to find the best combination of the old and new, tradition and innovation," Silver explained, highlighting the crucial partnership with FIBA and existing basketball organizations.
Juggling Expansion at Home and Abroad
The European project adds another layer to the NBA's growth strategy, which also includes potential expansion within North America. Silver confirmed that a decision on adding new NBA teams, with Las Vegas and Seattle as front-runners, is expected by the end of 2026.
"To me, honestly, the real heavy lift would be creating a new league in Europe," Silver admitted, calling it an "enormous undertaking" that requires careful, step-by-step progress. Despite the workload, the commissioner ended on a determined note: "But we love hard work at the NBA."
