Lots of ways this doesn't happen anytime soon or happens badly.
Heck of a lot has to go right and timely.
European and global league possibilities
Re: Euroleague idea
It has been 2.5 months since news of Maveick Carter's involvement in a proposed new international league as an advisor was released.
Since then the only news / rumor I am aware of is a background list of partners or potential partners. Big difference between the two. If it was actual partners and actual investment, I'd expect a formal announcement.
The NBA had their very thin announcement of further exploration of NBA Europe.
What is the new group going to do and when? I'd think they would want to make some moves in next few weeks. Perhaps unload the full concept and get cracking with a start date.
Will keep eyes and ears open.
Could they start by fall 2026? Spring or summer 2026? Not til 2027? Hard to guess but fall 2026 or later or never are probably the main choices.
NBA Europe seems likey to be 2027 or later or never.
Since then the only news / rumor I am aware of is a background list of partners or potential partners. Big difference between the two. If it was actual partners and actual investment, I'd expect a formal announcement.
The NBA had their very thin announcement of further exploration of NBA Europe.
What is the new group going to do and when? I'd think they would want to make some moves in next few weeks. Perhaps unload the full concept and get cracking with a start date.
Will keep eyes and ears open.
Could they start by fall 2026? Spring or summer 2026? Not til 2027? Hard to guess but fall 2026 or later or never are probably the main choices.
NBA Europe seems likey to be 2027 or later or never.
Re: Euroleague idea
President of Malaga (a Spainish team in Euroleague) suggested the possibility of some form of merger of EuroCup, BCL and Euroleague in response to potential new challenges. They probably arent going to be asked into NBA Europe. I could see one fewer league or more in future, if one or two new leagues go over them. Or will domestic leagues be hurt or hurt more? I don't know those political and business landscapes in depth.
I have doubts about fans shifting to new teams in the new leagues or media & sponsors becoming dramatically better. Prospects for year 5, 10 or 20 might be pretty good if they can get thru the first few and build some momentum.
I have doubts about fans shifting to new teams in the new leagues or media & sponsors becoming dramatically better. Prospects for year 5, 10 or 20 might be pretty good if they can get thru the first few and build some momentum.
Re: European possibilities
Reading a few recent articles has raised some dimensions of NBA Europe that I previously had not considered a lot.
Including:
whether there will be a CBA with players, immediately or after 1 or more years (and what is required under European and national laws) Are there existing player unions?
tax differences (though salaries could be net of taxes)
accommodating the various languages of fans vs English only or with subtitles
how very low in value Euroleague broadcast rights are
the likelihood of strong backlash in markets where an existing team is not selected for inclusion. not just certain fans opting out but visibly protesting. how long it might last I dunno.
how strong an influence do Euroleague teams have on European and national governments?
possible demands for commitments for new arenas in franchise selection
possibility floated of Pau Gasol as President or CEO. Do they want / need a conciliator or a scorched earth exec? Someone super experience in sports business administration? I know why could have a COO with different experience and style but wonder if that would be more susceptible to gridlock.
time delays for US broadcasts of games? also with Asia?
degree of influence Euroleague teams might be able to assert on FIBA? player availability for World Cup games?
Impact of new tariffs on advertiser interest?
should NBA Europe have a start of 10 or 100 employees and how soon? plenty to do.
Central league office in Spain, France, Germany (or UK)?
Real estate partner or partners for different purposes?
Is AEG in with NBA or with somebody else?
Use divisions or groups?
How big a budget for direct promotion (all NBA or 50-50?) vs just directions for advertisers?
will there be a last proposal to or from Euroleague or is it too far gone?
what % of Euroleague players (and staff) have or will have contracts that extend past NBA Europe's desired or practical start date?
sign a significant number of young prospects and have them grow into league or go virtually all play now vets? Farm team affiliations with BCL and / or other?
Of course timing of season matters, as does length. Cut back or move timing of national leagues (or try)?
what demographics are they shooting for / will get?) Fans under 30? Free ticket promotions? is that demographic / straming enough of a financial base to start?
Avoid direct competition with timing of other European basketball games or blast into plenty of competition?
Does Nike care?
What could IMG do?
Including:
whether there will be a CBA with players, immediately or after 1 or more years (and what is required under European and national laws) Are there existing player unions?
tax differences (though salaries could be net of taxes)
accommodating the various languages of fans vs English only or with subtitles
how very low in value Euroleague broadcast rights are
the likelihood of strong backlash in markets where an existing team is not selected for inclusion. not just certain fans opting out but visibly protesting. how long it might last I dunno.
how strong an influence do Euroleague teams have on European and national governments?
possible demands for commitments for new arenas in franchise selection
possibility floated of Pau Gasol as President or CEO. Do they want / need a conciliator or a scorched earth exec? Someone super experience in sports business administration? I know why could have a COO with different experience and style but wonder if that would be more susceptible to gridlock.
time delays for US broadcasts of games? also with Asia?
degree of influence Euroleague teams might be able to assert on FIBA? player availability for World Cup games?
Impact of new tariffs on advertiser interest?
should NBA Europe have a start of 10 or 100 employees and how soon? plenty to do.
Central league office in Spain, France, Germany (or UK)?
Real estate partner or partners for different purposes?
Is AEG in with NBA or with somebody else?
Use divisions or groups?
How big a budget for direct promotion (all NBA or 50-50?) vs just directions for advertisers?
will there be a last proposal to or from Euroleague or is it too far gone?
what % of Euroleague players (and staff) have or will have contracts that extend past NBA Europe's desired or practical start date?
sign a significant number of young prospects and have them grow into league or go virtually all play now vets? Farm team affiliations with BCL and / or other?
Of course timing of season matters, as does length. Cut back or move timing of national leagues (or try)?
what demographics are they shooting for / will get?) Fans under 30? Free ticket promotions? is that demographic / straming enough of a financial base to start?
Avoid direct competition with timing of other European basketball games or blast into plenty of competition?
Does Nike care?
What could IMG do?
Re: European possibilities
In the long term, it could end up with NBA, NBA Europe (or Western Europe), NBA Africa, NBA Asia or more broadly "East" and maybe NBA South.
Fashion a tournament or a new kind of World Championship, if they want.
Fashion a tournament or a new kind of World Championship, if they want.
Re: European possibilities
Count of Euroleague teams planning on staying in that is put at 4 "official", "likely" at least 7.
Fwiw, supposedly all Euroleague teams lose money.
A deal to sell 1/3rd of Euroleague for $300+ million has been discussed, delayed and is possibly close to finalized. Still talking a week ago.
IMG will continue to manage media and other things for another 10 years, though under somewhat different terms.
Fwiw, supposedly all Euroleague teams lose money.
A deal to sell 1/3rd of Euroleague for $300+ million has been discussed, delayed and is possibly close to finalized. Still talking a week ago.
IMG will continue to manage media and other things for another 10 years, though under somewhat different terms.
Re: European possibilities
Have not heard FIBA, Euroleague or NBA say a word about the international touring league proposal.
I am not aware of any public presentation by the group, just background reporting.
I had assumed a European focus but it might not have that much of that. Asia has been hinted at as a major element, along with likely Middle East stops.
F1 style? Suggests parties, side business, even political liasons will be significant. I can think of at least a dozen cities outside western Europe. How much will they want to go to the latter? How much opportunity? How important is making money directly? Probably more a long-run asset play and prestige / ego / lifestyle thing. Signs that gambling will probably be important adjunct.
Really need more upfront info to assess well.
Probably need multiple superstars to work. Can't see much excitement for that style event with mid level players, even B level stars. Excitement the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time around? Better have good parties.
Eventual alliance with NBA? Could make sense. Could be NBA East. If NBA can develop / control global broadcast rights, they could demand / get shares of league value and those revenues without necessarily doing a lot else. How much administration do they really want to do?
Haven't really heard much about scheduling. How much basketball can you really get broadcast and watched?
Easier to imagine playing in western / northern summer and competing some with NBA in fall than spring / early summer. But if league is all about the east then their weather may matter more. But do they want to compete with "football"? Lots of challenges.
Do US superstars want to be "working"/ traveling in summer / fall or winter / spring? What about interests of wives & kids? Summer / fall might be easier. But how much pouting about interrupting self-directed / pure vacation time?
I am not aware of any public presentation by the group, just background reporting.
I had assumed a European focus but it might not have that much of that. Asia has been hinted at as a major element, along with likely Middle East stops.
F1 style? Suggests parties, side business, even political liasons will be significant. I can think of at least a dozen cities outside western Europe. How much will they want to go to the latter? How much opportunity? How important is making money directly? Probably more a long-run asset play and prestige / ego / lifestyle thing. Signs that gambling will probably be important adjunct.
Really need more upfront info to assess well.
Probably need multiple superstars to work. Can't see much excitement for that style event with mid level players, even B level stars. Excitement the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time around? Better have good parties.
Eventual alliance with NBA? Could make sense. Could be NBA East. If NBA can develop / control global broadcast rights, they could demand / get shares of league value and those revenues without necessarily doing a lot else. How much administration do they really want to do?
Haven't really heard much about scheduling. How much basketball can you really get broadcast and watched?
Easier to imagine playing in western / northern summer and competing some with NBA in fall than spring / early summer. But if league is all about the east then their weather may matter more. But do they want to compete with "football"? Lots of challenges.
Do US superstars want to be "working"/ traveling in summer / fall or winter / spring? What about interests of wives & kids? Summer / fall might be easier. But how much pouting about interrupting self-directed / pure vacation time?
Re: European possibilities
I only have limited outsider knowledge, but as of this moment I think:
NBA has accomplished nothing yet on the proposal.
A 12-16 high quality team NBA Europe above the Euroleague in the near term is a fantasy and will not work in forseeable future..
Real Madrid and Barca are not jumping without amazing immediate benefits. Why would they agree to spend more and be less special and less likely to win, unless it is for making big money? They are not going to pay to join an upstart league.
That there is no media attached or even showing signs of interest is damning.
A more reasonable prospect would be rebranding of the BCL or France Pro A or BBL. Start there and see what you can do.
If they really want big markets and big franchise fees, add a 4-6 team division to the NBA. Real Madrid is said to have wanted that. Offer that.
I expect this to drag out for years.
I am suspicious it is an excuse to delay NBA expansion. It may be that league owners really don't want NBA expansion. They'd like new money and have been teased into willingness to entertain this alternative dream.
Will anything of real substance be accomplished in next 6 months? I kinda doubt it.
This seems like the worst possible time for an American initiative in Europe.
Do something small or put this idea back on shelf for 5+ years.
NBA has accomplished nothing yet on the proposal.
A 12-16 high quality team NBA Europe above the Euroleague in the near term is a fantasy and will not work in forseeable future..
Real Madrid and Barca are not jumping without amazing immediate benefits. Why would they agree to spend more and be less special and less likely to win, unless it is for making big money? They are not going to pay to join an upstart league.
That there is no media attached or even showing signs of interest is damning.
A more reasonable prospect would be rebranding of the BCL or France Pro A or BBL. Start there and see what you can do.
If they really want big markets and big franchise fees, add a 4-6 team division to the NBA. Real Madrid is said to have wanted that. Offer that.
I expect this to drag out for years.
I am suspicious it is an excuse to delay NBA expansion. It may be that league owners really don't want NBA expansion. They'd like new money and have been teased into willingness to entertain this alternative dream.
Will anything of real substance be accomplished in next 6 months? I kinda doubt it.
This seems like the worst possible time for an American initiative in Europe.
Do something small or put this idea back on shelf for 5+ years.
Re: European possibilities
If Euroleague and NBA Europe (and a new international touring league) compete, it will be interesting to see who bids higher on the best candidates and overall.
Consolidation of 2-3 leagues into 1-2 might occur after the parties see the results of 1+ years of competition. Or a pecking order established for talent and attention.
The average talent level would obviously much higher if most were on 8-16 teams in 1 league instead of 30-40 teams spread out.
Given the top talent level in Euroleague now, there would to be new talent infusion to pitentially make things more high level. Heavy fracturing would diminish that chance and chance of significant new success.
What if the parties were presented a chance for a joint venture of a 20 to 24+ team league that included significant number of away games at other global cities?
I am not sure if this is the best approach in the eyes of the 3 parties, but I present that option for further study and consideration.
Consolidation of 2-3 leagues into 1-2 might occur after the parties see the results of 1+ years of competition. Or a pecking order established for talent and attention.
The average talent level would obviously much higher if most were on 8-16 teams in 1 league instead of 30-40 teams spread out.
Given the top talent level in Euroleague now, there would to be new talent infusion to pitentially make things more high level. Heavy fracturing would diminish that chance and chance of significant new success.
What if the parties were presented a chance for a joint venture of a 20 to 24+ team league that included significant number of away games at other global cities?
I am not sure if this is the best approach in the eyes of the 3 parties, but I present that option for further study and consideration.
Re: European possibilities
Depending on payscales, a lot of 2nd rounds picks might refuse the 2way pay and experience or go to these 3 potential leagues. Staying in college might have the best pay / experience. But it depends on level of player.
Continue to think that 24 yrs old and under would be the right way for NBA Europe to at least start.
If development pipeline is a key purpose, get the best young not ready for the NBA yet and play them. Euroleague not doing that enough, successfully enough, imo.
Continue to think that 24 yrs old and under would be the right way for NBA Europe to at least start.
If development pipeline is a key purpose, get the best young not ready for the NBA yet and play them. Euroleague not doing that enough, successfully enough, imo.
Re: European possibilities
It has been reiterated that international players can't get NIL in US, but some can work around it by working in other countries. A NBA Europe might work easier for some.
I see that at least 20 NCAA basketball players make at least $1 million but it could be several times that.
I am told starters in power 4 conferences average at least 200k and standout conference players make at least several times that.
Duke with reportedly a $25 million budget (more than almost all Euroleague teams?) and at least several others at, above or near $10 mil. Many are in $1-2 mil range but tending to grow.
How these pay levels compares to current Euroleague average and possible new leagues are TBD. It will have significant impact on what happens to league popularity and quality.
Presumably it would take more for a prospect to go abroad in most cases. Some might.
Net of taxes would be a better comparison.
If can make more than 2way, most will probably do that.
Declare for draft and not get a 2way, improved opportunites may make going aboard more attractive. G league is the lowest pay unless a team does 10 days or end of season conversions to bump actual totals. Players and agents will want assurances if they can get them.
Lots of pathways.
Presumably NBA Europe won't take high school players but we'll see. EuroLeague might in a few cases but unlikely to pay a top American. Who knows what the international touring league might do. One wat to make a splash at a lower cost than an NBA star or superstar. Would they draw paying customers and media enough to justify? Maybe in the right cases.
What are the shoe companies going to do in a world with more leagues?
Are a few college players eventually going to start big money podcasts?Are there any in the men's game now?
Wonder what % of NIL sponsors feel that get adequate advertising value in return versus psychic booster return.
Can / do NIL do multiple season contracts, with options or buyouts? I am somewhat curious, but whatever.
Are very young top European prospects less likely to sign long deals with European clubs? That could hurt team prestige and buyout income.
Could a NIL collective pay an European team for any consideration? Development, release, steering, holding til later, not signing?
Lots of details not seen addressed elsewhere.
I see that at least 20 NCAA basketball players make at least $1 million but it could be several times that.
I am told starters in power 4 conferences average at least 200k and standout conference players make at least several times that.
Duke with reportedly a $25 million budget (more than almost all Euroleague teams?) and at least several others at, above or near $10 mil. Many are in $1-2 mil range but tending to grow.
How these pay levels compares to current Euroleague average and possible new leagues are TBD. It will have significant impact on what happens to league popularity and quality.
Presumably it would take more for a prospect to go abroad in most cases. Some might.
Net of taxes would be a better comparison.
If can make more than 2way, most will probably do that.
Declare for draft and not get a 2way, improved opportunites may make going aboard more attractive. G league is the lowest pay unless a team does 10 days or end of season conversions to bump actual totals. Players and agents will want assurances if they can get them.
Lots of pathways.
Presumably NBA Europe won't take high school players but we'll see. EuroLeague might in a few cases but unlikely to pay a top American. Who knows what the international touring league might do. One wat to make a splash at a lower cost than an NBA star or superstar. Would they draw paying customers and media enough to justify? Maybe in the right cases.
What are the shoe companies going to do in a world with more leagues?
Are a few college players eventually going to start big money podcasts?Are there any in the men's game now?
Wonder what % of NIL sponsors feel that get adequate advertising value in return versus psychic booster return.
Can / do NIL do multiple season contracts, with options or buyouts? I am somewhat curious, but whatever.
Are very young top European prospects less likely to sign long deals with European clubs? That could hurt team prestige and buyout income.
Could a NIL collective pay an European team for any consideration? Development, release, steering, holding til later, not signing?
Lots of details not seen addressed elsewhere.
Re: European possibilities
A salary cap is a reasonable assumption for an NBA Europe and probably a minimum too.
Would there be a draft? I'd guess no.
Would teams be allowed to buy contracts from outside? I assume yes. Buyouts count against salary cap or unlimited?
If wanting to avoid direct competition with European football (and NBA and Euroleague and college basketball and maybe the international touring league), NBA Europe might be scheduled for summer? Would change of season help overall or Doom league to insufficient interest? Have they done focus groups in 10+ cities?
Start in summer and maybe change later if some consolidation occurs with other leagues?
What exactly have they done and not done yet?
Is the speculation of Pau Gasol as President based on any insider information? Started by Gasol representatives? A NBA desire? Has he said anything on the topic? Always more to find. Does the decisions to invite / accept the leading Spanish clubs affect interest in him and / or his interest? Would other countries go along or have some objections or desires for representation in the leadership group? Would that necessarily put the new league office in Spain? One office or several? Division of powers between NBA Europe President, CEO and / or COO, NBA and NBA Europe Team Board?
Countries cooperate on additional player visas?
Any quotas for Europeans or players from host country? Limits on Americans? Officially or unofficially?
To what extent has IMG tied down realistic european / international media? How hard are they going to fight?
Have not heard Apple or Amazon express interest or involvement but that could be important if they are.
By understanding is that neither ABC or NBC directly broadcast in Europe. But perhaps other properties currently owned or acquired coukd come into play if they wanted to participate. TNT has presence in UK and Europe thru TNT Sports and its affiliate EuroSport. To pay to license league content these pay networks would either have to raise general subscription rates, offer a separate add-on or share advertising revenue or perhaps buy into the league at some arrangement. Negotiations would also be necessary for placement within their schedules and level of production and promotion. What if any design and groundwork has been done on such a relationship with TNT or somebody else? Did cutting TNT of NBA eliminate this possibility or make it a possible patching up? I am not aware of other possibilities but assume it could include Murdoch properties.
What if NCAA power 4 conferences explored required games against some league in Europe, call them exhibitions or tournaments or count in overall standings? If there is money for such, they and their media partners might at some point have interest in pursuing.
Would including football clubs gain leverage with networks? What impact would representatives from that sport have on NBA Europe operations, business, basketball and off-court operations. Coaching power? Style / vibe? Will fans complain about the distraction? Would there be revenue and / or cost shifting? Would NBA Europe have any control over ownership changes or discipline? Reach agreement of security and fan behavior standards?
Draw referees from what talent pool?
Level of monitoring of integrity of game?
On and on with details, properly scoped and determined or still to be done.
Would there be a draft? I'd guess no.
Would teams be allowed to buy contracts from outside? I assume yes. Buyouts count against salary cap or unlimited?
If wanting to avoid direct competition with European football (and NBA and Euroleague and college basketball and maybe the international touring league), NBA Europe might be scheduled for summer? Would change of season help overall or Doom league to insufficient interest? Have they done focus groups in 10+ cities?
Start in summer and maybe change later if some consolidation occurs with other leagues?
What exactly have they done and not done yet?
Is the speculation of Pau Gasol as President based on any insider information? Started by Gasol representatives? A NBA desire? Has he said anything on the topic? Always more to find. Does the decisions to invite / accept the leading Spanish clubs affect interest in him and / or his interest? Would other countries go along or have some objections or desires for representation in the leadership group? Would that necessarily put the new league office in Spain? One office or several? Division of powers between NBA Europe President, CEO and / or COO, NBA and NBA Europe Team Board?
Countries cooperate on additional player visas?
Any quotas for Europeans or players from host country? Limits on Americans? Officially or unofficially?
To what extent has IMG tied down realistic european / international media? How hard are they going to fight?
Have not heard Apple or Amazon express interest or involvement but that could be important if they are.
By understanding is that neither ABC or NBC directly broadcast in Europe. But perhaps other properties currently owned or acquired coukd come into play if they wanted to participate. TNT has presence in UK and Europe thru TNT Sports and its affiliate EuroSport. To pay to license league content these pay networks would either have to raise general subscription rates, offer a separate add-on or share advertising revenue or perhaps buy into the league at some arrangement. Negotiations would also be necessary for placement within their schedules and level of production and promotion. What if any design and groundwork has been done on such a relationship with TNT or somebody else? Did cutting TNT of NBA eliminate this possibility or make it a possible patching up? I am not aware of other possibilities but assume it could include Murdoch properties.
What if NCAA power 4 conferences explored required games against some league in Europe, call them exhibitions or tournaments or count in overall standings? If there is money for such, they and their media partners might at some point have interest in pursuing.
Would including football clubs gain leverage with networks? What impact would representatives from that sport have on NBA Europe operations, business, basketball and off-court operations. Coaching power? Style / vibe? Will fans complain about the distraction? Would there be revenue and / or cost shifting? Would NBA Europe have any control over ownership changes or discipline? Reach agreement of security and fan behavior standards?
Draw referees from what talent pool?
Level of monitoring of integrity of game?
On and on with details, properly scoped and determined or still to be done.
Re: European possibilities
Could stagger seasons with G league or NBA Europe as a summer league and the other done by February, making late call ups to NBA convenient. NBA Europe contracts would allow participation in the other leagues.
In season call-ups from NBA Europe to NBA might be a fan issue. I might rather NBA Europe to be a summer league but lots to consider.
I like NBA Europe to be 24 yrs and under, especially if it is a fall / winter league and competing with Euroleague.
In season call-ups from NBA Europe to NBA might be a fan issue. I might rather NBA Europe to be a summer league but lots to consider.
I like NBA Europe to be 24 yrs and under, especially if it is a fall / winter league and competing with Euroleague.
Re: European possibilities
NBA Director of current European operations says NBA Europe won't be a developmental league.
If that proves to be true, intent and actual experience, then it is either make a deal with part or all of Euroleague or competition.
If that proves to be true, intent and actual experience, then it is either make a deal with part or all of Euroleague or competition.
Re: European possibilities
"figure out how to grow the market"?
Digital subscriptions?
By the game?
Better players? More players from Asia?
Player loans from NBA?
An old idea of mine, an all American team?
Just Spain or Spain & France to start? Just 8 teams?
Franchise fees on an installment plan and tied to revenue & profit?
Allow / encourage NBA owners to buy / run or share Ruropean frachises?
Better announcers? Announcers from futbol? Announcers from Asia?
Better marketing to women?
Ad discounts for American NBA ad buyers who come on in bulk?
Better halftime package?
Teams from Asia? Collobration or outright merger with elements of Chinese Basketball league?
A global tournament?
Better broadcast technology?
Different rules?
Different balance of domestic league and super-league? Clear separation?
Different season with less or no overlap with football?
Different start times?
Integration with betting?
Crack down on illegal streams?
More use of highlights?
Better social media team?
Prize giveaways?
Have next US TV contracts encourage or require a european or global component?
Label league teams by country?
Celebrity driven marketing?
Team or leaguewide shoe contracts?
More aggressive suites program?
There are probably more considerations.
Will there be any visible signs of design and progress by September? By next June?
Digital subscriptions?
By the game?
Better players? More players from Asia?
Player loans from NBA?
An old idea of mine, an all American team?
Just Spain or Spain & France to start? Just 8 teams?
Franchise fees on an installment plan and tied to revenue & profit?
Allow / encourage NBA owners to buy / run or share Ruropean frachises?
Better announcers? Announcers from futbol? Announcers from Asia?
Better marketing to women?
Ad discounts for American NBA ad buyers who come on in bulk?
Better halftime package?
Teams from Asia? Collobration or outright merger with elements of Chinese Basketball league?
A global tournament?
Better broadcast technology?
Different rules?
Different balance of domestic league and super-league? Clear separation?
Different season with less or no overlap with football?
Different start times?
Integration with betting?
Crack down on illegal streams?
More use of highlights?
Better social media team?
Prize giveaways?
Have next US TV contracts encourage or require a european or global component?
Label league teams by country?
Celebrity driven marketing?
Team or leaguewide shoe contracts?
More aggressive suites program?
There are probably more considerations.
Will there be any visible signs of design and progress by September? By next June?