NBA European League takes shape: Major European league clubs among founding teams

Four European powerhouses expected to join

The NBA EuroLeague is moving towards becoming a reality, and it is said that the four existing European League teams are expected to join this new competition. Real Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Bayern Munich and LDLC ASVEL Villepinte are expected to be among the founding members, reports Joe Varden of Sports Illustrated . Former Euroleague side Alba Berlin will also get a permanent spot.

These additions demonstrate the NBA's intent to establish a solid foundation for its European division. The event will bring together at least some of Europe's best-known clubs, which will ensure it has instant credibility and audience appeal.

Team and city announced

NBA Europe General Manager George Avazoglu confirmed that the official start date of the league is set for October 2027. The league plans to have 12 permanent teams spread across major European basketball markets.

"We are negotiating with some existing basketball teams. At the same time, we are also in contact with some football clubs that have strong brands but do not yet have a basketball team... And in some places, we will have to start from scratch." Aivazoglu told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Selected cities include Rome, Milan, London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Berlin, Munich, Athens and Istanbul. Istanbul's Ghataras Sare are expected to be Turkey's sole representatives, while PSG's situation could depend on the outcome of the NBA's alliance talks with Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain, according to BasketNews.

A semi-open format that is both competitive and competitive

Aivazoglu revealed that the NBA European League will adopt a semi-open format, with a total of 16 teams participating - 12 of which are fixed participating teams, and the other 4 teams are determined based on performance rankings. He said: "One of the teams will be from our partner FIBA ​​Basketball Champions League, and three more will be from domestic leagues. This is the most attractive part because it gives all participating teams a clear goal."

Future showdowns with NBA teams are possible

The head of NBA Europe also hinted that there may be an eventual showdown between American teams and European teams. "It will be a new competition that brings together teams from the NBA and NBA Europe - possibly in the form of an NBA Champions League in the future... as part of an increasingly integrated framework," Aivazoglu said.

If all goes according to plan, NBA Europe will be able to reshape the global basketball landscape by integrating powerful clubs and promoting the NBA's brand directly to European fans.

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