NBA Europe: Bids Exceed One Billion Dollars for Future Franchises
More than 120 investors have submitted applications to join NBA Europe, with several proposals exceeding one billion dollars according to the latest information revealed by the American league.
Mar 13, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Sen. Ron Wyden moments before the start of the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz game at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
Colossal Financial Interest Exceeds All Expectations
Mark Tatum, deputy to Adam Silver and Chief Operating Officer of the NBA, confirmed the exceptional scale of this mobilization: « We have received significant interest from numerous teams and potential investors for permanent franchise spots in a new league in Europe, supported by the NBA and FIBA. »
More than 120 investment groups have expressed their interest, far exceeding initial projections. Several bids reach or exceed one billion dollars, while numerous other proposals fall within the range of 500 million to one billion dollars, the entry threshold initially set by the league.
These astronomical amounts reflect the market’s confidence in the model proposed by the NBA. Among the candidates are wealthy individuals, powerful investment funds, but also existing EuroLeague teams, creating a paradoxical situation where some current clubs could join the competing competition.
First-round bids for teams in the new @NBA Europe were due Tuesday, and multiple bidders offered $1 billion to be part of the league. Several others offered at least $500 million, according to someone familiar with the process who was not authorized to discuss publicly.
Full… pic.twitter.com/KEwYa3kJhP
– Sportico (@Sportico) April 1, 2026
Twelve European Markets in NBA’s Sights
The NBA and FIBA are targeting 12 major European cities to establish their permanent franchises. London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Rome, Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Munich, Athens and Istanbul constitute the priority markets for this ambitious expansion.
On the French side, QSI (owner of Paris Saint-Germain) and ASVEL are among the serious candidates. AC Milan is also mentioned, while several EuroLeague clubs are said to have examined the file without their actual participation being fully confirmed. The largest bid reportedly concerns London, where a Saudi fund would be ready to invest massively.
The next phase will consist of examining these proposals in detail before selecting the strongest partners. The NBA will evaluate both the financial strength and the long-term vision of investors, including arena projects and business models. The goal remains a launch in October 2027, with progressive announcements of selected franchises in the coming months.
Discussions with EuroLeague continue in parallel, with Adam Silver still hoping to reach an agreement « for the good of European basketball. » Even in case of a compromise, clubs currently engaged at the highest European level will have to pay their entry ticket into this new era of continental basketball.
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
Comments (0)