EuroLeague clubs reject NBA proposal, leave talks open

EuroLeague’s shareholder clubs rejected the NBA’s current proposal for collaboration on a European basketball competition at a meeting in Cernobbio, Italy, on Tuesday, October 6, but left open the possibility of further talks, according to people familiar with the discussions cited in reporting. The terms of the offer have not been confirmed, and it is unclear whether the NBA will submit a revised proposal. The decision is a setback to a potential partnership between the organizations as the NBA develops plans for a separate European league. The NBA’s stated plan is for a 16-team competition in 2027, with 12 permanent teams and four places determined through qualification. The rejection does not establish that the project will be delayed or abandoned. EuroLeague’s 13 permanent shareholder clubs met to discuss the proposal and the competition’s future structure. In a separate decision, they agreed to convert EuroLeague into a franchise model, but did not formally approve an expansion from 20 to 24 teams, according to a EuroLeague statement.