The idea of an NBA-backed European league has circulated for years, but momentum is now stronger than ever. Former San Antonio Spurs legend Tony Parker, who owns EuroLeague powerhouse ASVEL, believes the launch of NBA Europe is inevitable.
Speaking at a promotional event in Chengdu, China, Parker declared, “NBA Europe league for me is just a matter of time. They are coming, and it’s going to happen.” He confirmed that he is in discussions to include ASVEL in the project, which would mark a historic shift in the global basketball landscape.
Silver’s European Push
According to Sports Business Journal, NBA commissioner Adam Silver spent part of the summer in London and France meeting with stakeholders and media entities to explore the league’s structure. The NBA has made its global ambitions clear in recent years, and a European league would represent its boldest move yet.
Structure and Teams
The league is expected to feature 14 to 16 teams drawn from three categories:
- Established EuroLeague clubs
- Soccer giants expanding into basketball
- Brand-new franchises created for the league
This mix could produce a unique blend of tradition, star power, and fresh competition.
Expansion Costs and Ownership Model
Expansion fees are projected between $500 million and $1 billion. Unlike adding teams within the U.S., which would dilute media revenue across more franchises, NBA Europe’s setup would instead funnel revenue back to the 30 current NBA owners. This structure is seen as particularly favorable by league insiders, making the project even more appealing.
Parker’s Vision
Parker stressed that collaboration will be key: “If the EuroLeague, the NBA and FIBA can find a way to work together to build a strong league, that will be amazing for European basketball.”
What It Means for the Future
For decades, the EuroLeague has been Europe’s top competition, but it has lacked the global exposure and commercial power of the NBA. A unified NBA Europe league could elevate the sport across the continent, create new pathways for players, and further cement basketball’s position as a global game.
With influential voices like Parker backing the effort and Silver actively pushing discussions forward, it seems NBA Europe is no longer a question of “if” but “when.”