NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed Thursday that the league, in partnership with FIBA, is moving forward with plans to bring a new league to Europe but stopped short of making any official announcements about timing or which teams would commit to joining.
Silver spoke before the Memphis-Orlando game in Berlin, the first of two NBA Europe Games on the tour; the Grizzlies and Magic play again in London on Sunday. And for Silver, even discussing the idea of a long-planned new league in Germany makes a lot of sense — as the country currently holds the World Cup and EuroBasket titles.
“We are the fastest growing sport in this country,” said Silver. “There is, in fact, a golden age, I would say, of the sport. … The 1936 Olympics here in Berlin, is when basketball first entered the Olympic fray. In fact, James Naismith came here to Berlin for those games and is said to have thrown the ball up to open the opening tip of the Games. So, there it is.”
The big question is what will be the future of the game in Germany and across Europe. The impact of international stars — especially European stars — on the NBA game is clear, with Nikola Jokic of Serbia, Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece, Victor Wembanyama of France and Luka Doncic of Slovenia among the biggest basketball stars in the world, all following in the footsteps of German player Dirk Nowitzki and others.
Many details of the new league have yet to be officially finalized, including when it will begin play — the operational goal was October 2027 — and how many teams will participate in that first season. Among the types tested by the NBA and FIBA is a 16-team league, with 12 “permanent” spots and the other four available through playoffs.
“I can only say that we continue to be very excited about it,” Silver said of the idea of NBA Europe. “We have met with clubs that are interested in participating in our league. We have discussed with other possible participants, including media companies that would like to cover it, potential media partners and traditional sponsors that want to work with us in the league. We are looking for an opportunity to expand the infrastructure of the stadium, not only here in Germany but across the continent. It is something that we are very excited about.”
Current target countries for the NBA-FIBA effort are known to include England (with potential host cities being London and Manchester), France (Paris and Lyon), Spain (Madrid and Barcelona), Italy (Rome and Milan), Germany (Munich and Berlin), Greece (Athens) and Turkey (Istanbul).
Growth will take time
The League and other financial partners and consultants have been talking to interested parties in Europe – existing clubs, heads of state and others – for a long time.
There will be an entry fee, and it will be steep. And those expecting a quick return on those funds may be disappointed, Silver said.
“The funding is likely to come, at least, from the league’s member teams,” Silver said. “I think it’s like any start-up, the participants can be investors, and in the long run they hope to want to return. … I think that if we can successfully launch this new league, it will take a while, I think, before it becomes a viable commercial enterprise. I think that all the participants realize that this is not for those who have a short-term vision.”
And part of the plan: New platforms will be needed in certain markets, which will take more time and money.
“What we tell people who are interested is that you have to have a long-term vision,” said Silver.
Position of the players
Orlando has three German players on its roster who were part of the game in Berlin, including Franz Wagner – who spoke to Silver about the idea. Likewise, Doncic and Silver said he wanted those ideas.
“I think it’s very important that we respect the traditions of European basketball. … We’re trying to find the best combination of old and new, tradition and innovation,” Silver said. “I think frankly, that’s what the NBA brings to the table. I think that’s also why it’s important not only to have FIBA as our partner but the existing basketball organizations that understand the culture of European basketball, understand the culture, the history, what makes European basketball different in many ways.”
NBA expansion
It’s a tough move right now for Silver and the NBA, which is trying to complete a league launch in Europe that would likely expand its own league beyond its current 30 teams. Las Vegas and Seattle are the frontrunners for NBA growth.
“I’m sure you can see the bags under my eyes,” Silver said. “But we like to work hard in the NBA.”
Silver said the NBA’s decision to expand will come at the end of 2026 and reiterated that decision Thursday.
“For me, to be honest, the biggest lift would be to create a new league in Europe,” said Silver. “Like I said, that’s a huge undertaking, and that’s why we’ve been moving one step at a time and being very careful and careful and making sure we cover all our bases.”
