NBA Europe league slated to launch in October 2027

FIBA Europe president Horhe Garbahosa told Spanish daily As that the NBA will create a new Europe‑wide competition, dubbed NBA Europe, with a start date set for October 2027. The format, described as “12+4”, will reserve one spot for the champion of the 2026‑27 FIBA Champions League and allocate three further places through a qualifying tournament featuring top clubs from national leagues. Garbahosa said the project aims to change the current paradigm, giving clubs a profit‑driven model independent of football club backing.

The plan includes expanding the FIBA Europe Cup from 32 to 48 teams to open pathways for more national league clubs, and aligning the competition schedule with national team windows to avoid clashes that have plagued the EuroLeague. While relations with the EuroLeague are described as friendly, the NBA Europe league will operate on its own merit‑based system. Garbahosa highlighted enthusiasm among clubs and noted ongoing talks with various stakeholders, though he declined to comment on specific clubs such as Real Madrid.