NBA and FIBA together: new European league of 16 franchises is born

Epochal news. NBA and FIBA make a pact to take over basketball’s Europe. “We have been talking about this for decades, now is the right time to take this step” the words of Silver, NBA commissioner. A step to be taken together with FIBA, so as not to distort the tradition of European basketball and, above all, to have a solid base from which to convince clubs to join the new league.

League which, as Silver explained, should be 16 franchises with 12 fixed and four variable (could also vary from year to year, perhaps with passes to be won for sporting merit). No intention to copy the NBA model entirely. For example, game time will remain 40′ and will not be increased to 48′ as is the case in the’NBA.

“There will be discussions with existing teams, which are global brands including football and carry global fans, but also test the market for new opportunities. Virtually every major European city already has a team, but others may be interested in creating one from scratch, even creating arenas where there are none. We look at the size of certain markets, well-known cities even in the U.S.” always Silver.

Already names are circulating of clubs that would be ready to espouse the new project such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Fenerbahce and Asvel. Obviously, attempts will be made to create a franchise in London and talks will also be held with Milan. In short, NBA and FIBA have officially moved for a new league.