NBA Aims for European League Launch by 2027, Says Commissioner Silver

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The NBA is on track to establish a new independent league in Europe by the end of 2027, according to Commissioner Adam Silver, who made the announcement prior to the NBA Finals on Wednesday evening. This initiative, a collaboration between the NBA and FIBA, the international governing body for basketball, has been in development for several years and is reaching a pivotal moment, especially with the rising star power of San Antonio Spurs player Victor Wembanyama.

Wembanyama, who was unanimously named Defensive Player of the Year this season, has propelled the Spurs into the finals. Not even the 2:30 a.m. game times back in France have dampened enthusiasm for watch parties and celebrations surrounding his inaugural appearance in the NBA championship series. “We are very much on schedule," Silver expressed. "It is our hope and anticipation that that league will launch in the '27-28 season in Europe. We are on track. Final bids from franchises are due at the end of this month, at the end of the month in June. We’ve seen record interest and we’re very excited about the ongoing opportunity and working closely with FIBA, our federation.”

Next season, Wembanyama will return to France as the Spurs are set to compete in two regular-season games against the New Orleans Pelicans, with the first matchup in Paris on January 14 and the second in Manchester, England, on January 17. Both cities are anticipated to be part of the new league's framework. Earlier this year, Wembanyama and the Spurs played in Paris, where tickets for their games against the Indiana Pacers sold out rapidly.

The NBA's interest in expanding into Europe predates Wembanyama's entry into the league, but his emergence has undeniably intensified the appeal of the NBA in the region. “Presumably, we will be in position in the fall to award franchises,” Silver noted during his annual pre-finals press conference.

In addition to European expansion, Silver also addressed domestic growth plans. Earlier this year, the NBA revealed intentions to explore adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas. Silver indicated that “discussions are ongoing” with multiple interested groups, though no specific timeline has been set for expansion. He reiterated that a decision regarding the potential expansion will be made by the end of 2026, but cautioned, "It's not a foregone conclusion that we will expand ... but what we've told all interested parties is our board will make a decision by the end of this calendar year."