EuroLeague Fights Back Against NBA’s European Expansion Plans
The NBA’s ambitious plans to expand into Europe have hit a major roadblock as EuroLeague officials are digging in their heels to protect their 65-year basketball tradition.
In a strongly worded statement this week, the EuroLeague’s board of directors made it clear they see the NBA’s European expansion as a serious threat to basketball on the continent.
The clash sets up what could become basketball’s biggest power struggle in decades.
Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, has already outlined plans for a 16-team European league. The format would include 12 permanent clubs and 4 teams that would have to fight for their spot each year.
What’s really raising eyebrows is that Silver has already started talks with some of Europe’s basketball powerhouses.
This has EuroLeague officials worried that their biggest clubs might jump ship.
Real Madrid, the crown jewel of European basketball, hasn’t committed to staying in the EuroLeague beyond 2026 when their current license expires. As the most successful team in European basketball history, Madrid is believed to be the NBA’s prime target.
Barcelona, another Spanish basketball giant with two EuroLeague titles, is also keeping their options open. Sources say they’ll likely follow whatever path Madrid chooses.
“The Board discussed the announced proposals for the creation of a new European league, viewing such a move as a threat to the long-standing traditions of European basketball,” the EuroLeague statement read.
“Such developments would risk fragmentation and confusion within the sport.”
There is some good news for the EuroLeague, though. Seven of the league’s 13 shareholders have apparently pledged their long-term commitment to stay put.
The statement struck a somewhat diplomatic tone toward the end, saying the board “emphasized its openness to dialogue with any party genuinely interested in contributing to the continued growth of European basketball.”
But they didn’t mince words about where they stand: they remain “resolute in opposing any initiatives that undermine the core values, heritage, and fan base of European sports and risk leaving loyal fans behind.”
For basketball fans across Europe, this power struggle could reshape the sport they’ve known for generations. Will tradition win out, or is the NBA’s global expansion unstoppable?
