NBA Europe secures billion‑dollar franchise bids for 12 cities

The NBA and FIBA have concluded the first round of proposals for the new NBA Europe league, slated to launch in October 2027. More than 20 clubs submitted bids for permanent franchises in 12 target cities, with offers ranging from $500 million to $1 billion and several exceeding $1 billion. The bids include existing basketball and football clubs, many of which currently compete in the EuroLeague. Those clubs retain exit clauses that allow them to leave the EuroLeague after each season.

NBA deputy commissioner Mark Teium said, “These final offers are extremely encouraging and reflect the huge interest and momentum around the project.” The league plans to invest over $10 billion in the first decade, with permanent franchises expected to break even by the third year of operation.

The deadline for submitting the final proposals was March 31, and the NBA Europe project is positioned as the largest capital influx in European basketball history.