The NBA is reportedly exploring a plan to acquire the EuroLeague, according to Greek outlet SDNA, adding another major development to the ongoing discussions over the future structure of European basketball.
SDNA reported Tuesday, September 15, that NBA Europe is considering an acquisition of EuroLeague and that the matter could be put to a vote by the EuroLeague shareholder clubs at a conference scheduled for October 5 at Lake Como in Italy.
The report said the financial terms have not yet been formally presented, meaning the amount that could be distributed to EuroLeague shareholders remains unclear. However, SDNA reported that discussions within EuroLeague have intensified as the NBA appears increasingly determined to invest heavily in the European competition.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that the NBA and EuroLeague continue to discuss the future of European basketball.
“It’s a historic opportunity and we have to take it to the next level,” Silver said, according to SDNA. “We’re making progress and having discussions with EuroLeague. We’ll have more announcements in the next few weeks.”
The reported acquisition proposal comes as the NBA and FIBA-backed NBA Europe prepare for a potential 2027 launch. The planned competition is expected to feature 16 teams, including 12 permanent franchises and four annual qualifying places.
NBA Europe has reportedly received bids in the $500 million to $1 billion range for each of its 12 targeted cities, with more than 20 basketball and football clubs involved in the bidding process.
At the same time, EuroLeague has been preparing for expansion. CEO Chus Bueno said that the organization remains open to an agreement with the NBA but is also prepared to compete directly if the two sides cannot reach a mutually beneficial partnership.
“If we don’t get a deal in Europe, we’re going to compete in Europe … that’s the discussion that we had internally, and if we have to, we’re ready,” Bueno said.
EuroLeague is planning to expand from 20 to 24 teams for the 2027-28 season and intends to establish 21 permanent franchises. Its expansion process has already produced 11 proposals, with binding offers representing almost €700 million in franchise fees and more than €3.2 billion in planned investment over five years.
A direct competition between NBA Europe and EuroLeague could split media rights, sponsorships, fan attention and arena revenues across the continent. Bueno has previously argued that combining the NBA’s operational resources with EuroLeague’s established clubs and local market expertise could create a stronger European basketball structure.
EuroLeague currently enters the negotiations from a position as an established competition that has operated since 2000. Olympiacos are the reigning champions after defeating Real Madrid 92-85 in the 2025-26 final, while the new EuroLeague season is scheduled to begin September 24.
The October 5 meeting could therefore become an important point in determining whether European basketball moves toward a unified structure involving the NBA or toward two competing continental competitions.
