Image Credit - Presse Sports-Imagn Images

Adam Silver Pushes NBA Europe League Project, Outlines Plan With 2028 Deadline As Expansion Talks Gain Major Momentum

Commissioner reveals timeline and plans for Europe-based competition

Image Credit - Presse Sports-Imagn Images

The NBA’s expansion discussions reached a new level on Tuesday when commissioner Adam Silver spoke about the proposed NBA Europe League during the Front Office Sports conference in New York.

Adam Silver explained that the project is moving forward faster than many expected. He highlighted that the long-discussed Europe League could begin sooner than anticipated, confirming that he does not want the launch to be delayed beyond 2028.

REPORT: The NBA Europe league will start in 2027 with teams based in London and Manchester, per @Eurohoopsnet

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— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 16, 2025

“I don’t think I’d want to go much longer than ’28,” Silver said at the event. “The opportunity is now to do something like this.” He also stressed the importance of balance within the league, adding, “As much as I’m an admirer of European soccer, we don’t want a top-heavy league.”

Plans for the NBA Europe League date back to March, when the NBA and FIBA announced a joint partnership with the continent’s top competition. Since then, advisors including JPMorgan Chase and Raine Group have been involved in developing the framework.

Adam Silver Discusses Timeline and Possible European Teams

While the exact structure has yet to be finalized, initial ideas include launching the league with 16 teams. Cities under consideration for representation could include Real Madrid, Barcelona, Munich, Berlin, Paris, London, Manchester, Milan, Rome, Istanbul, and Athens. Silver noted that the early stages may rely on existing arenas, with the potential to transition later.

“Basketball’s probably the fastest-growing sport in the world right now, and it’s a huge No. 2 sport in Europe behind soccer, so I think there’s a real opportunity,” Adam Silver said.

The commissioner’s comments also drew attention to Europe’s strong presence in the NBA. Current stars like Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic reflect the depth of European talent already shaping the league.

Adam Silver suggested that such talent, combined with the growing popularity of basketball, makes the timing right for expansion into Europe.

Though no official launch date has been set, Silver’s public remarks mark a clear step forward. The message is that the NBA sees Europe as a major growth market, and the commissioner wants the project active before the end of the decade.