NBA proposes European basketball league featuring Turkish team Fenerbahce Beko
Players of Fenerbahce Beko celebrate their victory after Turkish Airlines EuroLeague week 14 basketball match against Real Madrid in Madrid, Spain, December 5, 2024. (AA Photo)
The NBA is pushing forward with a groundbreaking project to establish a European basketball league in collaboration with FIBA.
The new league, expected to rival the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, has already seen the NBA engage in discussions with prominent teams, including Fenerbahce Beko.
NBA, FIBA plan to launch league in 2026 with top European basketball teams
The NBA aims to debut the league during the 2026-2027 season. FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis confirmed that the NBA has reached out to FIBA to bring this vision to life.
Reports from the Spanish outlet Relevo revealed that the NBA is targeting three European teams to form the foundation of the league. Among these teams are Fenerbahce Beko, Panathinaikos BC and Real Madrid.
NBA officials have already approached Panathinaikos, which is coached by Ergin Ataman. Discussions with Fenerbahce Beko and Real Madrid are ongoing as the NBA waits for their responses.
This collaboration aims to bring new excitement and competition to European basketball fans while integrating some of the continent’s most successful teams into a league aligned with NBA standards.
Fenerbahce Beko among EuroLeague teams with contracts ending in 2026
The timing of this project aligns with the expiration of A licenses for 13 EuroLeague teams in the summer of 2026. These licenses currently bind clubs like Fenerbahce Beko, Anadolu Efes, Olympiacos, and Real Madrid to the EuroLeague.
While discussions for extending these agreements are ongoing, no official signatures have been secured, leaving room for alternative opportunities like the NBA’s new league.
The NBA’s proposed league presents a chance for Fenerbahce Beko and other teams to explore a different structure. This league could provide access to a wider global audience and closer ties with the NBA, potentially reshaping the future of basketball in Europe.
NBA’s bold plans could reshape European basketball
By involving major European teams, the NBA is seeking to challenge the dominance of the EuroLeague and create a new competitive environment. This move could have a significant impact on the European basketball ecosystem, providing new opportunities for clubs to compete at the highest level under NBA management.
The inclusion of Fenerbahce Beko, Panathinaikos, and Real Madrid could draw immense attention to the league. These clubs already have massive fan bases and rich histories in European basketball. Their participation in the NBA’s project could strengthen their global presence and enhance the sport’s appeal across Europe.
Further details regarding the structure, financial agreements, and other participating teams will likely emerge as the NBA and FIBA continue their collaboration. For now, Fenerbahce Beko and the other targeted teams hold a pivotal role in determining the future of this ambitious initiative.
