NBA plans 2027 European league as biggest investment ever

Mark Tatum met reporters on Oct. 20, 2026, hours before the NBA season opener, and reaffirmed an October 2027 launch for a new European league. He said the NBA will invest in academies, grassroots development, league operations, marketing and arena infrastructure, pairing permanent franchises with performance-based qualification. The NBA projects multibillions of dollars in distributions to clubs over the first decade, which Tatum said would speed profitability and let clubs reinvest. European-born stars already starring in the NBA include Victor Wembanyama (France, San Antonio), Nikola Jokic (Serbia, Denver), Luka Doncic (Slovenia, Los Angeles Lakers) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece, Miami). EuroLeague owners rejected the NBA's initial merger offer earlier in October 2026. Tatum said the NBA and FIBA remain hopeful of an agreement but are prepared to proceed regardless; both say talks continue. The partners formally announced the venture in March 2025. Tatum called the effort a reimagining of the European basketball ecosystem on a merit-based foundation and said team announcements are expected soon as deals finalize.