UAE: The National Basketball Association and International Basketball Federation have announced they will jointly explore a new professional men’s basketball league in Europe.
The two organizations plan to continue discussions that began more than a year ago with prospective investors, teams, arena developers and commercial partners. If established, the league would bring the sport to more fans and accelerate its growth across the continent.
Under the initiative, the new league would integrate into the current European basketball landscape, with teams also participating in their respective national leagues. In addition to permanent teams, it would offer a merit-based pathway to qualification.
The NBA and FIBA would also dedicate financial support and resources to continue development of Europe’s basketball ecosystem, including club academies and the NBA and FIBA’s existing programs to develop aspiring players, coaches and referees at all levels.
The announcement was made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis following a meeting of the NBA Board of Governors in New York and a FIBA Executive Committee meeting earlier this month in Mies, Switzerland.
“The European basketball community is proud of its seven-decade history of international club competitions and the elite talent it develops,” said Zagklis.
“Yet given the sport’s popularity and the success of national team competitions, there is untapped potential in European club basketball. A new league in Europe would combine the NBA’s business acumen with the international expertise of FIBA to attract new basketball fans and investors alike, maximize club benefits, and establish synergies for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
He added: “The NBA and FIBA are uniquely positioned to build on the rich tradition of European basketball. We look forward to collaborating with FIBA to explore the creation of a new league for fans across the continent.”
