NBA Europe: Official launch expected in 2027, with Paris and Lyon?
NBA - Adam Silver pushes his NBA Europe project with a targeted start in 2027. PSG and ASVEL are mentioned among the sixteen potential franchises, while Paris Basketball closely monitors the situation.
Photo Credit : Sébastien Grasset
The NBA Europe project has never seemed closer. Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, has been multiplying meetings across the Old Continent in recent months. In Paris, he met with PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi, as well as other European sports powerhouses like Real Madrid. The goal: establish the foundation for an NBA-branded championship in Europe, with a first season hoped for 2027.
An accelerating timeline
Philippe Ausseur, LNB president, confirmed in Le Parisien: « We’re no longer wondering if the NBA will come since it’s happening. We’re now wondering when it will arrive and how. » Jorge Garbajosa, FIBA Europe president, also emphasizes the 2027 timeline, deemed realistic by Adam Silver, who doesn’t rule out launching a year later at most.
The proposed format includes sixteen franchises, with twelve permanent and four invited teams. Unlike traditional NBA, FIBA rules will apply (4×10 minute games).
Paris and Lyon at the forefront
France could have two franchises: PSG, backed by Nasser al-Khelaifi and Kevin Durant’s influence as a minority shareholder, and Tony Parker’s ASVEL, considered a key player by decision-makers.
But the presence of Paris Basketball, current French champions and EuroLeague quarterfinalists, complicates matters. Its president David Kahn, close to Adam Silver, tempers expectations: « Does NBA want an organization in Paris? I think so too. However, I don’t know more than that. » A PSG-Paris Basketball cooperation remains possible, though no formal discussions have begun.
A high-budget competition
The entry ticket is rumored around 500 million dollars, indicating that only financial and multi-sport giants like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, or AC Milan can participate. London and Berlin are also on the priority markets list.
This project could clash with the EuroLeague, whose economic model remains fragile. According to Le Parisien, NBA has already explored the idea of buying ECA, but without success so far. A meeting between both parties is scheduled this week in Abu Dhabi.
What’s next?
A first call for tenders should be launched this autumn to identify interested clubs. « We’ll know more in the coming months, » assures David Kahn. Meanwhile, spotlight remains on Paris, where two strong projects – PSG and Paris Basketball – may need to unite to be part of this future NBA Europe.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve est le fondateur et rédacteur en chef de BeBasket, qu’il anime depuis 2010 (sous le nom de Catch & Shoot). Passé par l’Ecole Publique de Journaliste de Tours, puis deux universités en Amérique du Nord, il a pu développer son expertise sur le basket français, de la Ligue Nationale aux divisions amateurs, durant ces 20 dernières années. En parallèle, il est aussi engagé dans le développement de clubs du côté de Montpellier.
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