BERLIN — NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed on Thursday that the league is pressing ahead with efforts to launch a new European competition, even as the EuroLeague threatens legal action over potential poaching of clubs.
Speaking to reporters before the Memphis Grizzlies–Orlando Magic game in the German capital, Silver said the NBA is “enormously excited” about the project. “We’ve been meeting with clubs that are interested in participating in our league,” he noted, adding that talks include “media companies that would like to cover it, potential media partners and traditional sponsors.”
Silver emphasized that the NBA’s plans go beyond team recruitment. “We’re looking at the opportunity to grow the arena infrastructure, not just here in Germany but throughout the continent,” he said.
EuroLeague raises legal concerns
Earlier this week, the NBA received a letter threatening possible legal action if it contacted clubs still under EuroLeague contracts, a source confirmed to Front Office Sports. According to that source, the NBA maintains it has “engaged with all parties in a lawful and appropriate manner.” Silver told reporters he forwarded the notice to league attorneys: “I send the legal letters to my lawyers, so I’ll let them handle that.”
Despite the warning, the commissioner downplayed the likelihood of a prolonged dispute with Europe’s existing basketball bodies. “I don’t think by any means it’s inevitable that there is a clash,” he said, describing the initiative as an opportunity to expand the sport’s reach rather than compete directly with the EuroLeague or FIBA.
Real Madrid rumored to be interested
Speculation is mounting that Real Madrid—the EuroLeague’s most decorated club—could join the proposed NBA venture. The new league has no official name or start date, but several EuroLeague teams have signed 10-year agreements that include opt-outs requiring a €10 million exit fee plus additional damages, a source told Front Office Sports.
While EuroLeague officials have expressed reservations, they have not ruled out some form of cooperation with the NBA, the source added.
Timeline for next steps
Silver repeated that the NBA expects to decide by year’s end whether to expand its own North American membership. He called building a European circuit “the real heavy lift,” saying the league is advancing “one step at a time” to ensure every aspect is addressed.
The commissioner offered no timeline for when the European league could tip off.
Source: Hoops Rumors
