London — NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said the league’s proposed “NBA Europe” competition would guarantee permanent spots for clubs in the continent’s largest commercial markets, addressing what executives view as a gap in the current EuroLeague structure.
In an interview with Sportico, Tatum noted that major cities such as London, Paris, Berlin and Rome lack top-tier basketball programs. “There’s no top-tier team in the U.K. at all. The U.K.’s the biggest market in Europe,” he said. The concept calls for 12-to-16 franchises, with two teams each in the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Italy and France, then additional berths for the rest of Europe.
Commissioner Adam Silver told The Athletic before this month’s Grizzlies–Magic game in London that potential ownership groups have expressed strong interest. “There are more people approaching us and saying, ‘I’d love to have the London franchise,’ … because there’s no top-tier basketball team right now,” Silver said.
Rising Stars bracket announced
The NBA released complete rosters and semifinal pairings for the 2026 Rising Stars event on Tuesday. Top overall pick Cooper Flagg of the Mavericks will join No. 2 selection Dylan Harper and Spurs rookie Stephon Castle on a squad coached by Carmelo Anthony.
Blakeney charged in gambling probe
Former Bulls guard Antonio Blakeney, who appeared with Chicago from 2017–19, was identified by federal prosecutors as an alleged ringleader in an illicit gambling operation that involved U.S. college players and game-fixing in China. ESPN reported that Blakeney faces wire-fraud counts and a potential multi-year prison sentence.
Separately, investigators are examining additional NBA games beyond the seven cited in a fall indictment that led to the arrest of Terry Rozier and the lifetime ban of Jontay Porter, according to The Athletic.
Early 2026 draft buzz
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report released an updated 2026 mock draft, while Sam Vecenie of The Athletic discussed how name-image-likeness earnings could influence the class. Vecenie highlighted Arizona guard Brayden Burries and Illinois forward Keaton Wagler as fast-rising prospects.
Source: Hoops Rumors
