NBA Europe growth plan: Tatum outlines the structure

NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Mark Tatum spoke about the new top-tier league planned for Europe at the Invest New York conference organized by Sportico in New York. The project, which has the NBA and FIBA's support, is currently using the working name "NBA Europe." The league is planned to start play in October 2027.

Tatum said that existing teams in Europe invest tens of millions of dollars every year but do not see that reflected in their franchise values. For this reason, he noted, the teams are looking for a new economic partner. Franchise entry fees are expected to reach up to $1 billion. The project has already attracted interest from private equity and sovereign wealth funds.

Tatum found the tournament structure in Europe complicated. He said there is no connection between EuroLeague, Basketball Champions League, EuroCup and domestic leagues. He said they want to build a structure similar to the system in football. Under the plan, 12 permanent franchises will be located in the largest markets. The Basketball Champions League will serve as the second-tier league. Four open slots will offer opportunities for professional teams to compete for a place in the top league.

Tatum named Paris and the United Kingdom as the leading markets. He said their goal is to balance Europe's sporting culture with commercial stability. In his view, it is important that all clubs in European sport can dream.