- Oct 16, 2026
- 0
- 0
SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said Tuesday the league is prepared to move forward without EuroLeague cooperation, announcing plans for a new European competition tentatively called NBA Europe. Tatum projected multibillions of dollars in distributions back to clubs during the venture's first decade, calling it the biggest investment ever into European basketball.
The stance follows EuroLeague shareholders' rejection of the NBA's initial merger proposal. Commissioner Adam Silver had expressed confidence several weeks ago that an agreement would be reached.
EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno warned the market could fragment if the NBA launches next fall. Bueno said the outcome would be disastrous following a shareholders meeting in Como, Italy. He added that owners' opposition remains very clear but noted the telephone lines are open.
NBA representatives plan to meet with officials from several prominent soccer clubs in London this week during the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Real Madrid, reportedly a leading advocate for NBA Europe, will attend. Barcelona and Bayern Munich will not participate.
Source: Hoops Rumors - Sun Oct 25, 2:11 PM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).