The NBA’s plan to launch a European basketball league will go ahead without Manchester City or Manchester United. BBC Sports reported on Sunday, despite commissioner Adam Silver meeting with both clubs. The league aims to tap into European football culture while creating a pan-continental basketball league.
The NBA plans to pitch investors in the new league, with team valuations reaching as high as $1 billion. Silver attended regular season games in London and Berlin between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic, cities expected to host future franchises.
Silver highlighted Europe’s potential, noting that basketball is the continent’s second most popular sport after football, with around 300 million fans. About 15% of current NBA players are European, highlighting the region’s influence on the league’s talent pipeline.
Financial support is already attracting global attention, with Abu Dhabi and Qatar exploring potential franchises. Abu Dhabi considered a Manchester-based team linked to Manchester City ownership, while Qatari investors have explored a Parisian franchise linked to PSG.
FIBA confirmed that the league will feature permanent franchises and offer merit-based entry through the Basketball Champions League or postseason tournaments. Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said the structure is in line with European sporting culture, allowing high-performing clubs to gain promotion.
Target cities include London, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Istanbul and Athens, with expected franchise fees between $500 million and $1 billion. A salary cap will strengthen competitive balance, and the schedule will be aligned with national leagues and international competitions.
#NBA #Europe #expansion #loses #support #Manchester #TalkBasket.net