Story perspectives

EuroLeague Rejects NBA Merger Proposal, Calls Terms “Colonialist”

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 11:27 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

EuroLeague clubs rejected the NBA merger proposal on Oct 6, 2026.
Owners, including Barcelona and Olympiacos, voted against the offer at the Cernobbio meeting.
They called the NBA’s terms ‘colonialist’ and deemed the valuation below $3 billion.
The NBA required EuroLeague to pause its planned expansion to 24 teams, conflicting with its growth plan.
EuroLeague will convert the 13 clubs’ 10-year licences into permanent franchises while still pursuing expansion.

History

Historical Context

In 1976, the National Basketball Association completed a significant landmark merger with the rival American Basketball Association, reshaping professional basketball. The NBA paid $3 million per absorbed ABA franchise, integrating the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, New York Nets, and San Antonio Spurs. Similarly, EuroLeague clubs like Barcelona and Olympiacos rebuffed the NBA’s 2026 merger offer, deeming its sub-$3 billion valuation colonialist. The 1976 precedent warns that forced consolidations can trigger legal challenges and fragment global basketball markets, prompting leagues to protect autonomy.

1 of 2

Story summary

EuroLeague clubs rejected the NBA merger proposal on Oct 6, 2026.
Owners, including Barcelona and Olympiacos, voted against the offer at the Cernobbio meeting.
They called the NBA’s terms ‘colonialist’ and deemed the valuation below $3 billion.
The NBA required EuroLeague to pause its planned expansion to 24 teams, conflicting with its growth plan.
EuroLeague will convert the 13 clubs’ 10-year licences into permanent franchises while still pursuing expansion.

1 / 2