NBA Europe: Adam Silver Speaks Out on the EuroLeague, but Doubts About the Start Date Grow

Discussions continue regarding the ambitious NBA Europe project. As is well known, the official launch date was decided some time ago: October 2027. At the moment, however, there are some doubts about it. Some investors have reportedly asked for more time.

“We view NBA Europe as a unique opportunity and a historic project not only for European basketball but for sports in general, which is why we want to do things the right way. Of course, some of the potential investors would like to wait a bit, but we’re convinced that it’s important to launch the competition—regardless of what happens with the EuroLeague—at the end of next summer,” Adam Silver told the Board of Governors.

The NBA commissioner also provided an update on negotiations with the EuroLeague, confirming that progress is being made: “We’ve discussed the negotiations with the EuroLeague, and we’re making progress. We’re convinced that an agreement with the EuroLeague would make the project stronger. It doesn’t have to happen, but it would be better for everyone if we could end up working side by side.”

“We want to get started, and we’re aware that the product we’ll see in the coming years will likely be different from the first season. In the coming months, we’ll be making several announcements. We need to finalize the structure, our approach to the salary cap, and television rights; we also need to figure out what to do at the local level. In addition, there are plans to build several new arenas across Europe. It will take some time, but we’re very pleased with the progress we’re making,” Adam Silver added.