NBA Europe League Plans 2027 Launch With 16 Teams, Silver Says

LAS VEGAS — The NBA is moving closer to launching a new league in Europe, with Commissioner Adam Silver saying Tuesday that deals for an initial group of cities could be finalised within weeks. According to NBA.com, the proposed NBA Europe league targets a fall 2027 launch.

The league would feature 16 teams — 12 permanent franchises and four annual qualifiers — operated with FIBA, basketball's world governing body, NBA.com reported. Bids for the 12 permanent spots were due at the end of June, and the NBA received offers reportedly ranging from $500 million to $1 billion per city across its target markets.

Target cities include London, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, Milan, Munich, Istanbul, Rome, Manchester, Lyon, Barcelona and Athens, according to the league. Silver told reporters at the Board of Governors meetings in Las Vegas that the NBA hoped to wrap up "some of those deals over the next several weeks, and then announcements will be forthcoming."

## NBA Europe Builds on Africa League Model

Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, who is leading the project, has pointed to the NBA's existing international ventures as proof of concept. The Basketball Africa League, launched in 2021 with FIBA, stands as the clearest template for the European push and underscores the league's deepening commitment to African and global basketball markets.

### FAQ **When will NBA Europe launch?** The NBA targets a fall 2027 inaugural season, according to Commissioner Adam Silver. **How many teams will NBA Europe have?** The proposed league plans 16 teams: 12 permanent franchises and four annual qualifiers. **What links NBA Europe to Africa?** The Basketball Africa League, launched in 2021 with FIBA, is cited as a model for the European expansion.

*Meta title:* NBA Europe League Targets 2027 Launch With 16 Teams *Meta description:* The NBA plans to launch NBA Europe in fall 2027 with 16 teams across 12 cities, Commissioner Adam Silver said, building on the Basketball Africa League model.

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