Full Breakdown
EuroLeague Clubs Reject NBA Europe Merger Proposal
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 6 2026, the 13 permanent shareholder clubs of the EuroLeague met in Cernobbio, Italy, and unanimously rejected the NBA’s proposal to merge the two competitions into a single NBA Europe operation. The offer, which expired that day, was deemed financially unsatisfactory and incompatible with the EuroLeague’s expansion plans. The clubs left the door open for future negotiations.
Background & Context
The NBA has been pursuing a European expansion, envisioning a 16-team league that could launch as early as the 2027-28 season. The league’s owners describe the effort as a 20-year project and have been working with FIBA. The EuroLeague, which runs a 20-team competition (13 permanent shareholders and 7 qualifiers), plans to expand to 24 teams by 2027-28 and to convert the 10-year licences of the shareholder clubs into permanent franchises.
Data & Statistics
- EuroLeague viewership rose 82 % through the first 25 rounds of its 2025-26 season.
- A JB Capital valuation placed the EuroLeague at €1.41 billion, with licensed teams worth about €1.8 billion.
- NBA revenue for 2025-26 exceeded $14 billion.
- L’Équipe reported the NBA’s offer to clubs was €400 million per club; other media cited entry fees of $500 million to $1 billion.
- The EuroLeague’s expansion could add up to eight long-term licences, with remaining spots filled through short-term licences, wild-cards, or EuroCup qualification.
Official Statements & Responses
EuroLeague officials said the shareholder clubs had agreed to convert their licences into franchises but had not formally approved the expansion to 24 teams. The league will present a final recommendation on expansion and franchise conversion in the coming weeks.
NBA managing director George Aivazoglou was scheduled to discuss the matter at a London conference, and commissioner Adam Silver reiterated the league’s commitment to its European project.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed his club’s participation and noted the clubs would reconsider the proposal if substantially amended.
Criticism & Opposition
Several clubs called the NBA’s terms “unacceptable and colonialist,” arguing the offer undervalued the EuroLeague and conflicted with its move toward a broader franchise model. Critics said the financial guarantees were insufficient to justify abandoning the existing competition framework.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media outlets have provided differing figures for the NBA’s proposed entry fee, ranging from €400 million per club to $500 million–$1 billion. The exact voting breakdown among the 13 clubs was not disclosed, and the full contents of the NBA’s proposal remain unknown. Reports also vary on whether the NBA plans a 16-team league or a model with 12 permanent members plus additional slots.
What’s Next
EuroLeague owners will present a recommendation on franchise conversion and expansion in the upcoming weeks, after which the Board of Directors will review applications from clubs seeking franchise status. The NBA is expected to submit a revised proposal addressing the financial and structural concerns raised by the EuroLeague clubs. Discussions will continue, with the timeline for any renewed agreement undefined.