Mark Tatum, NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer, announced plans for a new top-tier basketball league in Europe during Sportico’s Invest New York conference. This initiative, widely referred to as NBA Europe—though designated as a working title—is set to launch in October 2027 and aims to enhance commercial opportunities across the continent.
Speaking at the event, Tatum addressed existing issues within European basketball and outlined the NBA’s vision for providing more financial stability for teams. He noted that many current franchises are dissatisfied with the lack of appreciation for their investments, saying, “The existing teams in the ecosystem, quite frankly, are tired of investing tens of millions of dollars a year without showing any appreciation in the values of their franchises. They’re looking for a new economic partner.” Entry fees for teams in the new league are expected to reach as much as $1 billion, attracting interest from private equity and wealth funds.
Unified Ecosystem
A key goal of the NBA and FIBA is to streamline what Tatum characterized as a “confusing” landscape of European basketball tournaments. He pointed out the difficulties fans face in navigating the numerous leagues, including EuroLeague, Basketball Champions League, and domestic competitions, which currently operate independently. According to Tatum, the NBA plans to create a cohesive system similar to that of global football, which connects domestic leagues and continental competitions.
Tatum confirmed that the new top-tier league would include 12 permanent franchises located in major European markets, along with four qualifying spots for other professional teams. This structure aims to harmonize commercial viability with the rich traditions of European sports.
Untapped Markets
As part of its expansion strategy, the NBA intends to capture lucrative markets such as Paris and the United Kingdom. Tatum highlighted the lack of EuroLeague representation in these areas, stating, “If you think about the EuroLeague, they don’t have any presence in the UK today. They don’t have a permanent team in Paris today.” He emphasized the NBA’s readiness to occupy these markets.
The launch of the league aims to stimulate significant investments in basketball infrastructure, leading to multi-use venues that could host a variety of events throughout the year. Tatum remarked, “Let’s say there’s 30 to 40 home nights of basketball. You’ve got 320 other days to fill it up with music and concerts and conferences and other types of events.”
Tatum also touched on fan safety and experience, expressing a desire to replicate the welcoming atmosphere of NBA games while respecting local sports culture. He remarked, “In some of those games, you wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing your family.”
Meanwhile, the NBA is pursuing potential collaboration with Euroleague management, although club owners recently rejected the NBA’s proposals for cooperation. Euroleague plans include expanding to 24 teams by awarding permanent licenses to six new franchises, creating a more competitive landscape that could further separate it from the NBA-FIBA initiative.
Looking ahead, Tatum indicated that the NBA is also focused on domestic expansion, anticipating a decision on potential new franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle by the end of this year.
