NBA Europe project gains momentum as league eyes 2027 launch and expansion decisions

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league’s Europe project is progressing as planned, with “tremendous interest” from many European cities, including several that were not formally invited to bid. The league is in the final stage of evaluating proposals for an initial group of cities that could become the 12 permanent franchises slated to begin play in October 2027. Silver and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum will meet with interested investors and city representatives in New York during the FIFA World Cup final to discuss the bids and aim to finalize some agreements in the coming weeks.

The NBA also continues to consider domestic expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, with the Board of Governors expecting a decision by the end of 2026 and a possible debut in the 2028‑29 season. In parallel, the NBA hired former NBA executive Arturas Karnisovas as a consultant to help shape the governance, rules, and talent pathways for NBA Europe and to coordinate between the NBA, FIBA and potential European club partners.

Overall, the league’s dual focus on a new trans‑Atlantic competition and potential U.S. market growth highlights its strategy to broaden basketball’s global footprint while maintaining its existing domestic structure.