Billion-dollar offers for NBA Europe franchises

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has received offers of more than $1 billion for the right to play in its planned European competition, NBA Europe.

Sources close to the process told dpa that there have been several offers in the range of $500 million to $1 billion, and some exceeding $1 billion.

They come from around 120 investors, including existing teams and those currently playing in the privately organized EuroLeague.

The NBA Europe, set up by the NBA and world governing body FIBA, is to tip off in 2027 with 16 teams, 12 of which are to be permanent franchises and four qualifying via results.

It was not clear for which locations the offers were but the NBA wants to be present in famous European cities like London, Paris or Rome. German candidates are said to be Alba Berlin and Bayern Munich.

Deputy NBA Commissioner Mark Tatum did not comment on details but he told dpa that “we have received significant interest from a range of prospective teams and investors for permanent franchise spots in a new league in Europe backed by the NBA and FIBA.

"The level of engagement and the scale of the bids reflect the marketplace’s belief in our proposed model and the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball.

"We will now review the bids in more detail and shortlist the partners who share our vision and commitment to accelerating the growth of the game across the continent.”

The NBA plans to announce the participating teams and the exact start date in due course.

There are also reports that the NBA and the EuroLeague are set to resume talks regarding a possible collaboration after a lengthy standoff.