Nikola Jokic’s agent, Misko Ražnatovic, has highlighted growing uncertainty over the future of European basketball amid NBA expansion plans, according to Mozzart Sport.
Raznatovic indicated that the NBA’s planned Europe-based league could involve taking control of either clubs or individual players, raising questions about how it would interact with existing competitions like the EuroLeague.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver previously outlined plans for a Europe-based professional league as early as 2027 or 2028, with 16 teams envisioned, though the number is not final.
Silver stressed that the league would operate under the NBA brand but independently from existing franchises, resembling the model used by the Basketball Africa League.
Raznatovic noted the absence of an authoritative figure in European basketball comparable to Silver or David Stern, suggesting that a Europe-focused NBA expansion could shift the balance of power on the continent.
“EuroLeague needs someone like Adam Silver, or before him David Stern. Their decisions were indisputable,” he said. “What will happen in the future, nobody knows. NBA Europe is coming, and the question is whether they will take clubs or players. There are many unknowns, for me and for everyone else.”
The agent also raised concerns about player workload, noting that athletes now play up to 90 games per season, a dramatic increase from 20–30 in earlier eras, which can impact both national team and club performance.
Discussions surrounding the NBA’s European plans involve FIBA, EuroLeague clubs, and NBA executives, with scheduling, player regulations, and club participation fees among the unresolved issues.
Raznatovic confirmed that ideas for a global, Formula 1-style basketball league, involving figures like LeBron James, are actively being explored, though implementation is still in early stages.
