Lakers star consulted on NBA’s Real Madrid-backed European plan

The planned launch in the fall of 2027 - assuming no delays - of a new NBA-run competition in Europe, a market the league is eager to explore commercially, has set off an earthquake across the continent, one that’s already produced several aftershocks and is expected to rumble on for quite some time. The idea remains little more than a sketch, nothing concrete yet, but the North American league intends to enter the European basketball landscape in partnership with FIBA, aiming to challenge the current top competition, the EuroLeague, with a brand‑new tournament that still has more questions than answers.

Who would take part in NBA Europe league?

For weeks now, European basketball fans have been inundated with reports. Several EuroLeague stakeholders - those most intent on staying in the competition - pressed the undecided clubs to take a stand. Barcelona, for example, opted to sign the proposed ten‑year renewal. Real Madrid, however, did not. As Diario AS reported exclusively on January 14, the club is leaning toward the NBA’s vision. While EuroLeague owners were meeting to shape the next decade of their business, the NBA used its two regular‑season games in Europe (Berlin and London) to set the agenda. From meetings with investors and interested clubs, led by Commissioner Adam Silver himself, a more clearly defined plan emerged. In the days that followed, more details about this groundbreaking project - one in which Real Madrid currently believes - have continued to surface.

The head of the north American league explained that the initial idea is for the founding European clubs to shoulder most of the investment. He also noted that outside investors will be involved. The financial component is the one causing the most concern, given how few specifics have been shared so far. Still, it’s worth remembering that the millions in losses European clubs face under the current system are precisely why some are eager for a new model.

The sporting side of the proposal is a bit more tangible. Sixteen teams - 12 with permanent licenses and four rotating spots - would make up the NBA Europe league. Meanwhile, the EuroLeague wants to expand again, this time to 24 teams (two conferences, mirroring the real NBA). The big unknown is who takes part in the NBA creation. London, two teams from Germany, Manchester, new partnerships in France and Italy, and of course Real Madrid as the marquee brand. But this model would leave out clashes with Greek or Serbian teams - part of the EuroLeague’s current charm.

NBA chief seeks advice from Doncic and others

To navigate these complexities, Silver has sought input from people who know the terrain. Tony Parker has been one of the key figures: as president of ASVEL - one of the clubs expected to make the jump - he has played a crucial role in negotiations and has been consulted from the start. Conversations have also taken place with Luka Doncic, the Wagner brothers, and others.

Silver points to a network of interconnected pathways as his example. Doncic, for instance, is Slovenian but a fan of Red Star Belgrade because of his father, Sasa, a lifelong supporter of the red‑and‑white club. Luka developed professionally at Real Madrid, where he became the best player in Europe before heading to the United States. The Wagner brothers, on the other hand, built the foundations of their game in America - at Michigan with the Wolverines, where Spanish big man Aday Mara now shines - but they are German, from the nation that currently holds both the European and world titles.

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