Full Breakdown
NBA Accelerates Push for European League Ahead of FIFA World Cup Final
7/16/2026, 1:02:24 PM
European League Plans
The NBA announced that it will conduct “international business” during the FIFA World Cup final weekend as it moves closer to launching a new European league in the fall of 2027. Commissioner Adam Silver and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said they will meet with prospective ownership groups traveling to New York for the World Cup final to discuss team bids. Silver noted “tremendous interest from multiple cities in Europe, including cities that we didn’t ask for bids from,” and that the board is “finalizing those bids for an initial group of cities.”
Background & Context
The league’s partnership with FIBA, basketball’s global governing body, was announced last year, ending years of speculation about a trans-Atlantic expansion. The plan calls for the new league to begin operations just over a year from now, targeting the 2027-28 season.
Official Statements & Responses
Silver emphasized that the league’s timeline is on track, stating “Things are where I hope they would be.” He also addressed a separate salary-cap investigation involving the Los Angeles Clippers, saying the probe “needs to run its course” and that he receives regular updates from the league’s general counsel. The NBA has retained New York-based law firm Wachtell Lipton to conduct the investigation, which could result in fines, loss of draft picks, or contract voiding if violations are confirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We've had tremendous interest from multiple cities in Europe, including cities that we didn't ask for bids from,” — Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
- “And we discussed with our board today that we're in the process of finalizing those bids for an initial group of cities.” — Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
- “Things are where I hope they would be,” — Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
- “The investigation needs to run its course,” — Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
- “They chose not to live with that uncertainty,” — Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
What’s Next
Silver indicated a decision on ownership groups is expected by the end of 2026, and the league aims to confirm the European league’s format and city lineup before the fall 2027 launch. The salary-cap probe is slated for completion in the summer of 2026.
