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In an interview with international media during the NBA season kickoff, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum elaborated on the league’s strategy for expanding into Europe, in partnership with FIBA.
Tatum reiterated the aim to establish NBA Europe within the next two years, indicating that teams could qualify through the Basketball Champions League, as well as their respective domestic leagues.
When discussing the countries that may host permanent franchises, he identified seven nations.
“Our initial focus includes Spain, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, and potentially Turkey and Greece. There will also be opportunities for other teams, particularly in the early stages, to qualify,” he stated when asked about the possibility of teams from Israel and the Middle East, which currently cannot aspire to a permanent franchise.
Regarding Greek teams and the lack of updates or speculation surrounding discussions with EuroLeague teams Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, Tatum remarked: “We are in discussions with numerous clubs, including those in Greece, but I cannot share any specific details.”
He underscored that the initiative is not primarily driven by commercial interests, stating, “Basketball ranks as the second most popular sport in Europe, yet there are no permanent franchises in major cities like the UK, Paris, Rome, or Berlin within the EuroLeague. The existing league structure does not accommodate all European clubs, and our goal is to best serve the fans.”
Tatum also shared insights on how the right partnerships could enhance the sport: “By collaborating with suitable partners, there will be greater investment in basketball—not just within the league but also in development programs and facilities, which will bolster the overall resources available for the game.”
Confirming the timeline for this initiative, he said, “We aim to launch within the next two years. We’ve engaged JP Morgan and Rain as advisors, who are diligently refining our approach. We have also initiated conversations with local stakeholders as we move forward.”
Regarding the recent discussions in Geneva with EuroLeague and FIBA, and the subsequent reactions from the EuroLeague, Tatum stated that all EuroLeague teams are invited to join this new ecosystem. However, he acknowledged that not every team could secure a permanent position, and they may need to compete in the Basketball Champions League to earn a place in NBA Europe.
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