The launch of NBA Europe has been postponed by 12 months and is now expected in 2028. A pre-qualifying competition is planned for next year to determine four temporary members who will join 12 permanent franchises in the 16-team league's inaugural season.
The NBA is planning to invest approximately $10bn (£7.6bn) over 10 years into the competition. Sources have described this as the largest startup competition in the sporting world. Multiple offers for the 12 franchises have reportedly exceeded targets, with prices for the London franchise expected to range from $500m to over $1bn.
London, Manchester, Rome, Athens, Istanbul, and Lyon are set to receive permanent franchises. The London franchise has reportedly attracted bids exceeding $1bn from investors including former Chelsea chair Todd Boehly, a consortium involving former Tottenham chair Daniel Levy and MSP Sports Capital, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum held talks last week with executives from major football clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Milan. Many winning bids are anticipated to come from owners of Champions League football clubs. The NBA hopes to announce the new franchise owners later this year, though no specific timeframe has been committed.
EuroLeague clubs recently voted to reject the NBA’s initial investment offer, opting instead to pursue their own expansion plans. However, NBA sources indicate that discussions are expected to continue.