The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced on Monday through a press release that in January they will "advance in their joint exploration of a new professional men's pan-European basketball league, involving in the process possible teams and ownership groups to join it."
They indicate that besides permanent spots, the new competition "would offer all teams from the national leagues affiliated with FIBA in Europe a merit-based pathway to qualify annually," either through FIBA's Champions League (BCL) or via a qualification tournament at the end of the season.
"The league would also align its calendar with the calendars of the national leagues and national teams, which would allow players to represent their club and their national team year-round," the press release notes.
Both organizations specify that as part of the new league, they "also plan to dedicate financial support and resources to the continuous development of the European basketball ecosystem, including national leagues, club academies, and existing NBA and FIBA programs to train aspiring players, coaches, and referees at all levels of the game."
"The advancement of this joint project between the NBA and FIBA is great news for the European basketball community," declared FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, who pointed out that "the format of the league respects the principles of the European sports model by offering any ambitious club on the continent a fair path to the top."
"The project is designed in a way that will improve the sustainability of the entire European basketball ecosystem, including players, clubs, leagues, and national federations, by creating a ripple effect that will greatly benefit basketball fans across Europe," he added.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated that talks with stakeholders in Europe have reinforced his "conviction that there is a tremendous opportunity around the creation of a new league on the continent."
"Along with FIBA, we look forward to the participation of clubs and potential ownership groups that share our vision for the potential of this sport in Europe," he added.
