The NBA has outlined a two-tier structure for its upcoming European basketball competition, aiming to replicate the dynamic of football's Champions League and Europa League. George Aivazoglou, the NBA's managing director for Europe and the Middle East, confirmed the vision for NBA Europe this week.
The top tier of the competition, which is still scheduled for an autumn 2027 launch, will comprise 16 teams. These teams are expected to include new franchises in major cities such as London and Manchester, alongside prominent existing European clubs. Four spots in this top tier will be accessible through qualification via a standalone tournament and performance in the second tier, which will largely be open based on domestic results.
Discussions between the NBA and EuroLeague regarding collaboration have reportedly faced challenges, with a recent EuroLeague meeting in Italy believed to have rejected the NBA's latest proposal. Despite this, the NBA maintains its intent to launch the competition next year. Aivazoglou stated today that they are "moving ahead with our plans for a launch in the next year."
The NBA is keen to attract clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona from EuroLeague and is determined to brand the competition as an NBA event. The league also aims to implement a governance structure similar to its US model, incorporating salary cap rules and collective bargaining agreements, within the bounds of European law.