NBA Europe League Plans Advance as Deputy Commissioner Confirms Progress
NEW YORK — The NBA said on Wednesday that progress continues toward launching a proposed NBA Europe league, with deputy commissioner Mark Tatum confirming the league is advancing plans for a pan-European competition. The league did not announce a launch date.
By Source Reporters Newsdesk
Sat, 18 July 2026 · 1 min read
NEW YORK — The NBA said on Wednesday that progress continues toward launching a proposed NBA Europe league, with deputy commissioner Mark Tatum confirming the league is advancing plans for a pan-European competition. The league did not announce a launch date.
According to NBA.com, the proposed competition would build on the structure and lessons of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), which the NBA operates in partnership with FIBA. Tatum said the model tested in Africa offers a template for how a regional league can develop talent, fans and commercial partnerships.
CNBC reported on 18 June that the NBA expects to begin naming winning bids for European teams in the coming months. NBA.com said the league is evaluating host markets and ownership groups but has not finalised the number of franchises.
The development matters for Africa because BAL, now in its sixth season, has become the NBA's clearest proof that a continent-based league can work. Rwanda's RSSB Tigers were crowned 2026 BAL champions on 31 May, according to NBA.com and FIBA Basketball.
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**Sources**
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