The NBA and FIBA said Thursday they will proceed with plans for a new professional league in Europe, days after EuroLeague clubs rejected a formal merger offer.
What did they say?
That a unified structure would serve clubs, players and supporters, and that both organisations remain committed to a new men’s league in Europe alongside partners sharing their vision and the principles of the European sports model. The statement was issued jointly, which matters because it places the sport’s international governing body formally alongside the NBA rather than neutral between the parties.
Why was the offer rejected?
Valuation, according to sources rather than principle. EuroLeague leadership met in Italy this week and concluded the offer undervalued the league. That is a materially different objection from refusing to merge at all, and it reframes the dispute as a negotiation over price rather than a rejection of the concept.
Is anyone willing to talk?
Publicly, yes. Barcelona said this week that it and the league would consider an amended offer. Multiple EuroLeague members have held extensive discussions with the NBA and are believed to be seriously interested in joining. Sources on both sides describe the door as open.
What was the counter move?
Expansion. The clubs reportedly discussed growing the EuroLeague beyond its current 13 license holders, which would let it claim cities and partners before NBA Europe could reach them. The league already expanded to 20 teams for the 2025 to 26 season, with seven clubs qualifying through domestic competition or invitation.
Does that work as a defence?
Partly, and it carries a cost. Occupying markets early is a real obstacle to a competitor, but expansion dilutes the value of existing licences and commits the league to a larger structure at the moment it is arguing its current form is undervalued. Those two positions sit awkwardly together.
What is the NBA doing meanwhile?
Proceeding. It has collected expansion offers across Western Europe, holds interest from existing clubs and plans a 16 team league starting as early as 2027. Its commissioner and deputy commissioner are in Macao this week for games in Asia, with the European situation reported as their primary focus.
Does history suggest a resolution?
It suggests one. The EuroLeague itself was formed in 2001 after two rival competitions, one of them run by FIBA, spent a season fighting each other. The outcome was a merger neither side had wanted at the outset. The same governing body is now on the other side of a comparable split, which is the detail worth sitting with.
What should be watched?
A revised offer. If the objection is price, the question is whether the NBA raises it or calculates that individual clubs will come across without one. NBA Europe has time and capital, and the EuroLeague has a coalition that at least one member has already said is open to listening.
