The NBA and FIBA will begin formal conversations in January with potential teams and ownership groups about creating a new European basketball league, the two organizations announced Monday in a joint press release.
The plan envisions a hybrid model featuring permanent franchises alongside a merit-based entry route. Clubs could qualify each season through FIBA’s Basketball Champions League or by winning a separate end-of-season tournament, according to the proposal.
League organizers intend to coordinate scheduling with domestic competitions and national-team windows, aiming to avoid clashes with international play.
Financial support is part of the concept as well. The NBA and FIBA said they would direct investment toward domestic leagues, club academies and player-development programs across Europe.
“Our conversations with various stakeholders in Europe have reinforced our belief that an enormous opportunity exists,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in the release.
The January meetings mark the next step in moving the project from concept to reality, though no launch date has been set.
Source: Hoops Wire
