The EuroLeague has drawn a clear line in the sand. As talks around the creation of the NBA Europe partnership gain momentum, the organization has unveiled four non-negotiable pillars it believes must guide any future collaboration: shared benefits, cultural integrity, competitive excellence, and European governance. These principles were restated following the most recent meeting between the EuroLeague, NBA, and FIBA, a gathering that carried weight but offered no breakthroughs.
High-Level Talks Continue with No Concrete Progress
On October 8, 2025, in Geneva, senior officials from the three organizations came together to explore the potential framework for NBA Europe — a proposed international club competition that would link top European teams with the NBA. It was the second official meeting in just a few months, signaling the growing significance of this project.
However, the outcome remained largely the same: no new information beyond what’s already known publicly. According to EuroLeague representatives, their carefully crafted proposal for collaboration has yet to receive a meaningful response from the NBA. Even so, the EuroLeague expressed its appreciation for the NBA’s willingness to maintain dialogue and for FIBA’s role in hosting and encouraging constructive discussions.
Four Guiding Principles at the Core
EuroLeague Basketball has been unambiguous about its priorities. Any potential agreement, it insists, must protect the essence of European basketball — not dilute it.
- Shared Benefit: Every stakeholder must gain value from the partnership. The existing European basketball structure, built over decades, cannot be pushed aside.
- Cultural Integrity: The traditions, fan culture, and heritage of European basketball must stay intact, ensuring that the sport’s identity is not overshadowed.
- Competitive Excellence: The initiative must elevate, not erode, the high level of competition that defines Europe’s top clubs.
- European Governance: Decision-making power must remain firmly in Europe’s hands to safeguard the interests of its clubs and leagues.
A United Front from European Clubs
Earlier in the week, EuroLeague clubs convened in Barcelona to discuss their collective stance. The message was unified and resolute: any partnership must be built on respect for European basketball’s values and systems. EuroLeague made it clear that it is willing to engage in meaningful, forward-looking discussions but only if these principles remain intact.
Uncertain Future, Unwavering Position
The road to a finalized partnership is far from clear. While there’s enthusiasm surrounding the NBA Europe partnership concept, EuroLeague Basketball is not willing to compromise on governance, culture, or competitive standards.
The league’s position is firm: collaboration can happen, but it must reinforce the existing European basketball ecosystem, not replace it. As negotiations continue, the EuroLeague stands ready to shape the future of international basketball on its own terms.
The EuroLeague has drawn a clear line in the sand. As talks around the creation of the NBA Europe partnership gain momentum, the organization has unveiled four non-negotiable pillars it believes must guide any future collaboration: shared benefits, cultural integrity, competitive excellence, and European governance. These principles were restated following the most recent meeting between the EuroLeague, NBA, and FIBA, a gathering that carried weight but offered no breakthroughs.
High-Level Talks Continue with No Concrete Progress
On October 8, 2025, in Geneva, senior officials from the three organizations came together to explore the potential framework for NBA Europe — a proposed international club competition that would link top European teams with the NBA. It was the second official meeting in just a few months, signaling the growing significance of this project.
However, the outcome remained largely the same: no new information beyond what’s already known publicly. According to EuroLeague representatives, their carefully crafted proposal for collaboration has yet to receive a meaningful response from the NBA. Even so, the EuroLeague expressed its appreciation for the NBA’s willingness to maintain dialogue and for FIBA’s role in hosting and encouraging constructive discussions.
Four Guiding Principles at the Core
EuroLeague Basketball has been unambiguous about its priorities. Any potential agreement, it insists, must protect the essence of European basketball — not dilute it.
- Shared Benefit: Every stakeholder must gain value from the partnership. The existing European basketball structure, built over decades, cannot be pushed aside.
- Cultural Integrity: The traditions, fan culture, and heritage of European basketball must stay intact, ensuring that the sport’s identity is not overshadowed.
- Competitive Excellence: The initiative must elevate, not erode, the high level of competition that defines Europe’s top clubs.
- European Governance: Decision-making power must remain firmly in Europe’s hands to safeguard the interests of its clubs and leagues.
A United Front from European Clubs
Earlier in the week, EuroLeague clubs convened in Barcelona to discuss their collective stance. The message was unified and resolute: any partnership must be built on respect for European basketball’s values and systems. EuroLeague made it clear that it is willing to engage in meaningful, forward-looking discussions but only if these principles remain intact.
Uncertain Future, Unwavering Position
The road to a finalized partnership is far from clear. While there’s enthusiasm surrounding the NBA Europe partnership concept, EuroLeague Basketball is not willing to compromise on governance, culture, or competitive standards.
The league’s position is firm: collaboration can happen, but it must reinforce the existing European basketball ecosystem, not replace it. As negotiations continue, the EuroLeague stands ready to shape the future of international basketball on its own terms.
