EuroLeague and the NBA are “expected to have a new meeting in the next few days with the goal of finally creating a joint project,” according to sources cited by Aris Barkas of EUROHOOPS.net. NBA Europe “continues to be on track, preparing for a 2027 tipoff,” and the question is now “whether we will end up with a joint competition that will also include EuroLeague.” Recent comments by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver were “more than clear about a possible collaboration, and the same has been said by” EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno. The “will to make a deal is obvious from both sides,” and having Bueno in the negotiations “makes things simpler,” because of his former experience as an NBA exec. If the EuroLeague and the NBA get a financial deal, a 24-team competition is “possible in order to accommodate as many new and old clubs as possible that are able to be part of the top competition level in Europe.” The NBA in 2024 made an offer that was “essentially taking control of the EuroLeague and having 51% of the ownership for providing their managerial and financial expertise,” but “talks never took any meaningful shape.” Sources said Real Madrid and Fenerbahce are “very close to signing the new 10-year licenses, further solidifying the position” of EuroLeague. Barkas notes the move “seemingly goes hand-in-hand with the upcoming talks with the NBA” (EUROHOOPS.net, 3/30).
