NBA Plans 12 European Teams Amid Expansion Push, Deputy Commissioner Says

The NBA will announce winning bidders for 12 permanent European teams within 60 to 90 days, according to Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, who confirmed the league’s 2027 debut timeline during an exclusive CNBC interview. The teams will be based in Rome, Milan, London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Munich, Athens, and Istanbul, with four rotating clubs joining annually.

Key Cities and Timeline Details

The NBA’s European expansion includes 12 permanent franchises in major European cities, with bids due by June 30. Tatum emphasized the league’s focus on “great operators” who will invest in new stadiums, noting Europe has only “two to three world-class” basketball arenas. The league aims to debut in October 2027, with initial games potentially featuring preseason matchups against North American teams.

Commercial Potential and Market Challenges

Despite basketball being Europe’s second-most popular sport, it holds “less than 1% of the commercial market share,” Tatum said. The region has 300 million basketball fans, according to the league. NBA officials are also engaging media partners for the European league, with Tatum stating global interest in distributing games is “incredible.”

Integration with Existing NBA Structure

The NBA plans to intermingle European teams with its North American franchises. Preseason games against U.S. and Canadian teams are likely, with longer-term matchups possible in the Emirates NBA Cup. Tatum described the European league as a “global interest” driver, leveraging the NBA’s existing international footprint.

BAL Expansion and Investment Opportunities

Tatum also highlighted the Basketball Africa League (BAL), which contributed $250 million to Africa’s GDP in its first six seasons. The league projects growth to $5.4 billion by 2034, citing Africa’s 11 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies and its youth population surge. Investors are being encouraged to enter the market “at the ground level,” Tatum said.

Verification and Context

The NBA’s European expansion plans align with its broader global strategy, though no official announcement has been made beyond Tatum’s remarks. The league’s 2027 timeline coincides with the Paris Olympics, which could amplify exposure. Previous attempts at European expansion, such as the defunct EuroLeague-NBA alliance, faced challenges in balancing regional and global interests.