The NBA (National Basketball Association) and FIBA (International Basketball Federation) announced this Monday (22) that they will begin looking for teams and owners as part of their project to create a European men’s league.
The two organizations said in a statement that they “will advance their joint exploration in January” to create a new professional league in Europe, “attracting potential teams and investor groups into the membership process.”
“Our conversations with diverse stakeholders in Europe have reinforced our belief that there is a tremendous opportunity to create a new league on the continent,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
“Together with FIBA, we will move forward in attracting potential clubs and investor groups that share our vision of the potential of sport in Europe,” he added.
The statement offered details on the format the league would adopt.
In addition to the permanent teams, the league would offer all European teams participating in FIBA-affiliated national leagues access, based on merit, to the annual qualifiers, either through the BCL (FIBA Basketball Champions League) or through a qualifying tournament at the end of the season.
The calendar would adjust to that of current domestic leagues and national teams to allow players to represent their clubs and countries.
Additionally, the NBA and FIBA stated that, as part of the new league, they would dedicate “financial support and resources to the continued development of the European basketball ecosystem.”
This funding would include national leagues, grassroots clubs and programs for the development of players, coaches and referees.
