EuroLeague Basketball is prepared to compete with NBA Europe if the proposed league, backed by FIBA (basketball’s global governing body) and the NBA, does not produce a mutually beneficial partnership. NBA Europe plans to launch in October 2027 and has received bids ranging from $500 million to $1 billion or more in each of 12 target cities, including offers from more than 20 existing basketball and football clubs, many of them current EuroLeague teams. EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno said the organisation wants to contribute its European expertise while drawing on the NBA’s operating capabilities, but is prepared to proceed alone, citing its existing sponsorship and television agreements. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in July that he remained optimistic about consolidating European basketball. A partnership could reduce fragmentation in media rights, institutional value and fan attendance, but both organisations are continuing their plans independently. NBA Europe is expected to have 16 teams, comprising 12 permanent franchises and four annual qualifiers, with a possible link to the FIBA Basketball Champions League and eventual entry for league winners into the NBA Cup. EuroLeague aims to grow from 20 to 24 teams for the 2027-28 season, when 21 teams are expected to become permanent franchises. Its 13 current shareholder licences would convert into franchises without a fee, while up to eight new long-term franchises could be awarded. Bueno said EuroLeague is exploring Paris, London, Milan and Naples and has 12 binding proposals worth slightly more than 800 million euros in combined fees. The EuroLeague regular season begins on September 24 with 11-times champion Real Madrid playing UAE-based Dubai. Olympiacos are the defending champions after beating Real Madrid in last year’s final for their fourth title.