Basketball clubs reject NBA merger talks in Italy, opting for independent expansion plans.
Basketball clubs from the EuroLeague have officially rejected a bold proposal from the NBA to form a unified league in Europe, according to information published by 365score.
The crucial decision was made on Tuesday, August 6, during a high-stakes meeting held in Como, Italy, where team executives gathered to discuss the future of the sport overseas.
Faced with the imminent arrival of the American league, European teams chose to rely on their own independent expansion strategy, setting the stage for a major structural clash.
NBA Europa Project Details and Timeline
Despite the recent refusal from the EuroLeague, the NBA remains firmly committed to launching the ambitious NBA Europa project in the near future.
Discussions surrounding this new enterprise have been active since 2025, attracting strong interest from several major European basketball clubs.
The overarching goal of the NBA is to establish a robust competition featuring 16 teams, with an official kickoff targeted for October 2027.
Proposed Format and Team Structures
The proposed venture aims to replace the current EuroLeague model with a system focused on financial sustainability and global competitiveness.
Under the new format, participating squads would compete in their respective domestic leagues on weekends and in the NBA during weekdays.
To accommodate this demanding schedule, team rosters would be significantly expanded to provide greater depth for each participating organization.
Strategic Cities and Qualification Spots
The NBA has already mapped out a vision for 12 permanent teams strategically located in major economic and cultural hubs across the continent.
- Spain: Madrid and Barcelona
- United Kingdom: London and Manchester
- France: Paris and Lyon (ASVEL)
- Germany: Berlin and Munich
- Italy: Rome and Milan
- Greece: Athens
- Turkey: Istanbul
In addition to these permanent franchises, NBA Europa will reserve four annual qualification spots for outsiders.
One spot is designated for the reigning champion of the Fiba Champions League, while the remaining three will be decided through a qualifying tournament hosted by the organization in June 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did EuroLeague reject the NBA proposal?
EuroLeague clubs rejected the NBA merger proposal during a meeting in Como, Italy, because they prefer to pursue their own independent expansion plans in Europe.
When is the proposed NBA Europa expected to start?
The NBA plans to launch the new 16 team competition in October 2027, replacing the current EuroLeague model with a globally competitive system.
How many permanent teams will play in NBA Europa?
The project projects 12 permanent teams located in strategic European cities such as Madrid, London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Istanbul, alongside four qualification spots.
