The NBA is “very focused” on plans to launch a new European league in 2027, commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday before the start of the NBA Finals.
With French star Victor Wembanyama preparing to lead the San Antonio Spurs against the New York Knicks in the first game in San Antonio, Silver said the project has attracted “record” numbers from potential investors.
“We’re very much on schedule,” Silver said. “It is our hope and expectation that the league will be launched in the ’27-28 season in Europe.
“We are on a good track. The final bids from the franchise are expected at the end of this month, at the end of June. We have seen record interest and we are very excited about the ongoing opportunity to work closely (with) Fiba, our federation.”
Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said at the All-Star game in February that the proposed tournament, which has created tension with the existing EuroLeague, would feature 12 permanent teams and four playoff teams.
Target cities include Paris, Lyon, London, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Manchester, Munich, Athens and Istanbul.
