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UAE March 29, 2025: The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) have announced their joint initiative to explore the creation of a new professional men’s basketball league in Europe.

Discussions, which have been ongoing for over a year, will continue with potential investors, teams, arena developers, and commercial partners. The proposed league aims to expand the sport’s reach and accelerate its growth across the continent.

The league would integrate with the existing European basketball framework, allowing teams to participate in their respective national leagues while also offering a merit-based qualification system.

Additionally, the NBA and FIBA plan to invest in Europe’s basketball ecosystem by supporting club academies and enhancing existing player, coach, and referee development programs.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis made the announcement following an NBA Board of Governors meeting in New York and a FIBA Executive Committee meeting in Mies, Switzerland.

Zagklis emphasized the rich history of European basketball and its talent development, highlighting the league’s potential to attract new fans, maximize club benefits, and foster investment by leveraging the expertise of both organizations.

Silver added that the NBA and FIBA are well-positioned to build upon Europe’s basketball legacy and look forward to working together to bring this vision to life.