EuroLeague CEO warns of competition with NBA Europe

EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno has stated that the organization is prepared to compete directly with the upcoming NBA Europe project if a mutually beneficial partnership cannot be reached. While the NBA and EuroLeague are currently in discussions regarding potential collaboration, Bueno emphasized that any agreement must respect the local intellectual property and century-old history of European clubs.

NBA Europe, supported by FIBA, is expected to launch by the 2027/28 season with a planned 16-team format. In response, the EuroLeague is also pursuing expansion plans, including increasing its membership from 20 to 24 teams and targeting major markets such as Paris, London, Milan, and Naples. Bueno warned that the existence of two competing leagues could lead to market fragmentation, negatively impacting media rights, commercial value, and fan attendance.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed optimism regarding the possibility of consolidating European basketball through some form of partnership. However, both entities are moving forward with their respective independent plans unless a formal deal is finalized.