Photo by Jen Pottheiser (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons

EuroLeague rejects NBA Europe initial merger proposal, more negotiations to come

The EuroLeague has turned down the NBA’s initial proposal to merge with its upcoming NBA Europe league, according to reports from Italian and European media outlets. While the EuroLeague’s shareholders rejected the NBA’s terms, they also paused plans for league expansion—a key demand from the NBA—which leaves open the possibility for further negotiations.

The NBA, led by Commissioner Adam Silver, remains committed to launching NBA Europe in the fall of 2027, with a structure featuring 12 permanent teams and four additional spots earned through domestic leagues or tournaments. Franchise fees for the permanent teams are expected to range between $500 million and $1 billion each, with cities like Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, London, Berlin, and Athens among the proposed locations.

Some EuroLeague clubs are reportedly considering defecting to NBA Europe, though the league’s current 13 core members have not yet agreed to any merger terms. Silver has emphasized the potential benefits of collaboration, stating that a unified approach would strengthen both organizations, though the EuroLeague’s owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the NBA’s initial offer.

Without a merger, an October 2027 launch for NBA Europe would face significant hurdles, according to sources close to the project.

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