NBA, FIBA and Euroleague Discuss European League; Damon Jones Pleads Guilty; Vegas Leads Early Expansion Interest; NCAA Moves Toward Five Seasons of Play
nba-europe-plans-damon-jones-plea-expansion-interest-ncaa-eligibility
Representatives from the NBA, FIBA and Euroleague Basketball met in Switzerland on Tuesday, issuing a joint statement describing “constructive discussions” about the future of European basketball and possible areas of collaboration. The parties plan to continue negotiations in the coming weeks.
The NBA still views fall 2027 as a tentative launch window for an NBA Europe league, according to Marc Stein. More than 20 existing basketball and soccer clubs across the continent have submitted bids to join the prospective circuit.
Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum told reporters on Monday that both the NBA and FIBA are “very, very happy” with the level of interest. “We’re just going through that process of narrowing down those bids into a little bit of a short list and trying to go out and continue to build partnerships with the right people in those markets,” Tatum said. He emphasized that the planned competition would be “a European league, built by Europeans, with Europeans, with our partners in FIBA as well.”
Additional Notes
Damon Jones pleads guilty: Former NBA guard and assistant coach Damon Jones entered guilty pleas on Tuesday to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud—one tied to NBA gambling and another linked to a rigged poker ring. Prosecutors said Jones shared insider information with sportsbooks and acted as a recruiter for fixed poker games. Sentencing is set for January 6; guidelines call for 21–27 months in the gambling case and 48–63 months in the poker matter.
Expansion interest: While no official bids have been filed, potential investors have contacted the NBA about future franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle, Bloomberg Sports reports. Early feedback points to stronger momentum in Las Vegas.
NCAA eligibility change: The NCAA on Monday advanced a proposal that would scrap redshirt seasons and allow athletes to compete in five full seasons instead of four. If adopted, the adjustment would not grant extra eligibility to players active during the 2025-26 academic year.
Source: Hoops Rumors
