The NBA and FIBA will continue developing a professional men’s basketball league in Europe after EuroLeague owners rejected a merger proposal this week, according to a joint statement reported Thursday by ESPN and reproduced by RealGM.
The organizations said they remain committed to the project while continuing to seek partners. The rejection does not establish a final lineup of participating clubs or a confirmed opening date.
The proposal outlined in the NBA’s July update called for 16 teams, including 12 permanent franchises and four annual qualifiers, with a planned launch in fall 2027. Existing basketball and soccer clubs could participate alongside newly created franchises.
That update also described a calendar designed to accommodate domestic leagues and national-team competitions. NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum is leading the project.
Thursday’s statement leaves open the possibility of cooperation with EuroLeague. Further negotiations and the selection of participating teams remain separate from the NBA and FIBA’s commitment to proceed.
