NBA Eyes 2027 Launch for European League, Targets $1 Billion in Franchise Fees

The NBA’s long-anticipated expansion into Europe is moving closer to reality. Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum confirmed on Tuesday that the league aims to finalize franchise fees within the next few months, with an ambitious goal of launching “NBA Europe” within the next two years — pending approval from both the NBA and FIBA boards.

“Yes, our goal is to launch in the next two years. Obviously, that’s pending NBA and FIBA Board approval,” Tatum said while speaking to international media.

According to Sports Business Journal, franchise fees are projected to range between $500 million and $1 billion. To refine the league’s financial structure and investment plan, the NBA has enlisted JP Morgan and The Raine Group. Tatum noted that the next step involves engaging potential investors, with discussions expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

“In the near, immediate future we’re going to start engaging in a meaningful way with potential investors,” Tatum said, as quoted by TalkSport.com. “Over the next eight weeks or so, we’ll have a really good sense of where we are in terms of the level of interest.”

While Tatum emphasized that the project remains contingent on market conditions, he did not rule out the possibility of shelving the plan if valuations fall short. The current model envisions 10 to 12 franchises in the first phase, potentially spread across major markets in the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Turkey, and Greece.

“We think that this league will include a combination of existing clubs, potential new clubs that don’t exist today, and maybe some football clubs who want to invest in a basketball team,” Tatum explained.

The NBA Europe framework would establish a “top-tier” league overseen by the NBA, while FIBA’s Basketball Champions League would serve as a second division. Four open spots each season would allow teams from across the continent to qualify through merit-based routes — either by winning their domestic leagues or competing in a proposed play-in tournament.

Tatum also hinted at future integration with the NBA Cup, envisioning European champions joining the midseason U.S. tournament. “Down the road, once supersonic travel happens, you could see a division of the NBA in Europe,” he added.

The league’s growing European presence continues to build momentum, with London set to host its 10th NBA regular-season game in January 2026 between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic. Additional fixtures are planned for Manchester and Paris in 2027, followed by Berlin and Paris in 2028.

“There are no top-tier teams in the UK,” Tatum noted. “We think that there has to be, because the demand and the size of the market mean we have to service those fans.”