# EuroLeague clubs reject NBA proposal, pursue expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/euroleague-restructuring-and-expansion-discussions > Updated: 2026-10-06T15:50:48.000Z. Sources: 82. Developments: 4. EuroLeague shareholder clubs have unanimously rejected a formal proposal from the NBA to form a joint European basketball competition. During a meeting in Como, Italy, the 13 founding clubs declined an offer reportedly valued at approximately 520 million euros to purchase their shares. Clubs described the NBA’s terms as ‘unacceptable’ and ‘colonialist,’ citing concerns regarding governance, autonomy, and the loss of management control. The proposal reportedly sought to maintain the current 13-club structure and prevent the EuroLeague from expanding or converting existing licenses into a franchise model. Despite the rejection, negotiations are not considered permanently broken. While some clubs, such as Real Madrid, have requested more time to evaluate potential counter-offers, the EuroLeague is proceeding with its independent roadmap. This plan involves converting current 10-year licenses into a franchise model and expanding the competition from 20 to 24 teams for the 2027-2028 season. The league is currently reviewing 14 proposals for eight new franchise slots. Separately, the NBA and FIBA remain committed to launching ‘NBA Europe’ by October 2027. This independent project aims to feature 16 teams, consisting of 12 permanent franchises based in major cities and four slots determined through FIBA competitions. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver indicated that while the organizations hope to reach an agreement with EuroLeague, they will proceed with their own project if necessary. This development suggests the potential for two distinct, competing professional basketball systems in Europe. ## Claims - Thirteen candidates are competing for eight new franchise positions. (disputed by 15 sources) - The league plans to expand from 16 to 24 teams starting from the 2027-28 season. (disputed by 14 sources) - The clubs intend to expand the competition from 20 to 24 teams for the 2027/28 season. (disputed by 9 sources) - The NBA and FIBA plan to launch a new European league in 2027. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The rejection of the current offer does not necessarily end all future negotiations between the two leagues. (corroborated by 11 sources) - EuroLeague clubs are converting their 10-year licenses into a franchise model. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The NBA's proposal reportedly required the EuroLeague to maintain its current 13-club structure and forgo expansion. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Some clubs described the NBA's terms as 'unacceptable' and 'colonialist'. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Financial proposals for the new franchises could exceed 900 million euros. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-06: EuroLeague clubs reject NBA proposal for joint European competition EuroLeague clubs have rejected an NBA proposal for a joint European league, citing loss of control. The NBA and FIBA plan to proceed with their own 16-team league launch in 2027 regardless. 57 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/euroleague-rejects-nba-proposal-for-joint-european-basketball-league ### 2026-10-06: EuroLeague shareholders meet in Como to discuss franchise model and expansion EuroLeague shareholders met in Como to discuss transitioning to a franchise model and expanding the league from 20 to 24 teams, though specific new members have not yet been selected. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/euroleague-shareholders-meet-in-como-to-discuss-franchise-model-and-expansion ### 2026-10-04: EuroLeague owners meet in Italy to decide on expansion and new franchises EuroLeague owners are meeting in Lake Como to vote on expanding the league to 24 teams and selecting eight new permanent franchises by the 2027-28 season, amid ongoing discussions with the NBA. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/euroleague-owners-meet-to-vote-on-league-expansion ### 2026-09-07: EuroLeague owners to meet October 5th to discuss potential NBA takeover EuroLeague owners will meet on October 5th in Italy to discuss a potential NBA takeover or an independent expansion plan to transition the league into a 24-team franchise-based model by 2027. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-doncic-hosts-los-angeles-lakers-minicamp-in-slovenia --- Cite as: EuroLeague clubs reject NBA proposal, pursue expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/euroleague-restructuring-and-expansion-discussions