EuroLeague shareholder clubs rejected an NBA proposal to join an NBA Europe project during a meeting near Lake Como in Italy on Tuesday.
Representatives from the 13 permanent shareholder clubs gathered in northern Italy to discuss continental expansion, leaving the door open for future negotiations despite turning down the current offer.
The clubs did not reach a formal decision regarding EuroLeague's own ten-year strategic plan, which outlines expanding the competition from 20 to 24 teams. Discussions regarding a potential deal with North America's top basketball league dominated the meeting near Lake Como, a resort region in Lombardy in northern Italy.
EuroLeague operates as the premier top-flight basketball club competition in Europe, while the NBA is North America's primary professional basketball league. Both governing bodies have explored joint initiatives to expand basketball's commercial footprint across Europe.
Proposed partnership timeline
Discussions between the two basketball entities remain active despite Tuesday's vote. EuroLeague told global news agency Reuters on Friday, 2 October, that the organization remained open to collaboration with the NBA.
A senior sports executive told Reuters that a formal partnership between EuroLeague and the NBA is unlikely to take effect before 2028. The executive cited significant logistical challenges in organizing a new competition in time for the 2027-28 season.
Throughout 2026, both organizations stated that they wished to work together on establishing a new joint competition. However, both parties also made clear that they are prepared to move forward with their own independent projects if an agreement cannot be reached.
No fixed deadline has been set for concluding negotiations between the organizations. Representatives indicated, however, that they desire clear direction about the future before the end of the current season.
EuroLeague expansion plan
The ten-year strategy presented to the clubs details how EuroLeague would expand from 20 to 24 teams. Under the framework, the 13 current shareholder clubs would become permanent franchises.
Up to eight long-term licenses could be awarded to new participant clubs under the strategic plan. The remaining places would be filled through a combination of short-term licenses, direct invitations, and sporting qualification.
Teams would earn sporting qualification for the open spots through performance in the BKT EuroCup. The BKT EuroCup functions as the secondary annual European club basketball competition organized by EuroLeague Basketball.
Tuesday's rejection presents an obstacle to the joint European project discussed throughout 2026. However, the decision does not end talks between the NBA and EuroLeague as negotiations remain open.
