The National Basketball Association (NBA) is planning to form a European league within the next two years, the league’s Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, Mark Tatum, told international media on October 21. Tatum, who expects the NBA European league to be the “top-tier” league in Europe, added that the plan is “obviously” subject to approval from both the NBA and Fiba (International Basketball Association) Boards.
In the initial phase, the plan is for ten to 12 set markets, with France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain the UK and Turkey mentioned as potential candidates. Tatum hopes the number of set franchises will double within seven-ten years from launch. The new European league would be a combination of existing clubs, new clubs and maybe new basketball teams created by football clubs who want to invest in basketball, said Tatum.
JP Morgan and The Raine Group shall refine NBA Europe’s business model
JP Morgan and The Raine Group have been hired as investment banker advisers to help refine the league’s business model.
The NBA has held regular-season matches in Europe since 2011. The next matches are already scheduled. The new NBA Europe would initially see no crossover with the league’s North American teams.
