The simmering tension between European basketball's established elite and the ambitious transatlantic plans of the NBA has erupted into a public war of words. EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas has bluntly dismissed the NBA's proposal for a new European competition as a 'bit of a broken record', casting doubt on its viability ahead of a targeted 2027 launch.
A Clash of Visions for Continental Basketball
At the heart of the conflict is a fundamental disagreement over the future of the sport in Europe. The EuroLeague, a 26-year-old institution featuring powerhouse clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, views itself as the guardian of a uniquely European model. This model blends intense, historic club rivalries with a structure featuring 13 permanent 'shareholder' clubs and others qualifying through domestic leagues.
In contrast, the NBA, in partnership with global governing body Fiba, is pursuing a 16-team league with 12 permanent members, aiming to tap into what it sees as vast, underdeveloped commercial potential. The league has identified major cities including London, Paris, Berlin, and Madrid as potential hosts.
"We've only heard the plan or the fireworks of how amazing it will be, how much potential there is," Motiejunas told the Associated Press. "But having a theory is one – and making it work is two. We've been here for 26 years. We know how Europe functions."
Club Loyalties and Legal Battles Loom
The battle for supremacy is being fought in the boardrooms of Europe's top clubs. Attention is focused on three key EuroLeague shareholders whose 10-year licenses are up for renewal: Real Madrid, Fenerbahce in Istanbul, and ASVEL near Lyon. While Barcelona has signalled its intention to renew for another decade, the stance of Real Madrid and the Tony Parker-owned ASVEL, whose owner has expressed support for the NBA project, remains a critical flashpoint.
Motiejunas expressed confidence all 13 shareholder clubs would remain, citing the NBA's lack of concrete details. "The NBA has been announcing and announcing things for a year but still it's nothing that you can grasp on," he stated, noting the 2027 start date is 'already around the corner' for such a complex undertaking.
The EuroLeague has reportedly warned the NBA of legal action if it continues talks with its shareholder clubs. While an exit clause for clubs is believed to be around €10 million (£8.5m), Motiejunas emphasised contracts can be broken only through "consequences and legal teams."
NBA's Adam Silver Confident in Long-Term Project
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, speaking in Berlin, responded with equal confidence, downplaying the threat from the existing EuroLeague. "If I thought that the ceiling was the existing EuroLeague and their fan interest," Silver said, "we wouldn't be spending the kind of time and attention we are on this project."
He acknowledged the enormous undertaking, describing it as a 'multi-decades in the making' venture that would require patient investors. Media reports suggest the NBA is seeking franchise fees of at least $500 million (£395m) per team. Silver framed the opportunity by noting basketball's commercial footprint in Europe is currently only about 1% of the total sports marketplace, trailing far behind football.
As both sides dig in, the European basketball landscape faces a period of profound uncertainty. The EuroLeague is bolstering its own position, having recently taken its Final Four to Abu Dhabi and secured a multi-year license for a new Dubai-based team. "We focus on ourselves," Motiejunas asserted. "We will be able to adapt, there's no question about it, and we will continue to fight." The stage is set for a protracted showdown over the soul and future of professional basketball in Europe.
