The NBA and FIBA said Monday they will start the process of engaging with teams and owners about joining their planned new league in Europe next month.
As has been expected, the league will offer both permanent spots and “a merit-based pathway” to qualifying on an annual basis through FIBA’s Basketball Champions League or an end-of-season tournament, the sides said. Every team in a FIBA-affiliated European league would have the chance to qualify.
“The format of the league respects European sport model principles by offering any ambitious club in the continent a fair pathway to the top,” FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis said.
Many details for the new league are yet to be formally finalized, including when it will start play – the working target has been October 2027 – and how many teams will take part in that inaugural season. Among the models that the NBA and FIBA have explored is a 16-team league, with 12 “permanent” spots and the other four available through qualifying.