European and global league possibilities

[Crow]

The timeline will have various major stages and may have some flexibility. But what is the latest that franchises could be firmly decided, given whatever media rights strategy, arena availability / scheduling, etc.?

Oct. 2026? January 2027? Other?


Will NBA consider non-binding bids for non-designated cities a little or not at all?

What will the process be after non-binding bids and will that be known and firm now or soon or only decided after the fact?

I don't know what my first bid would be without knowing the full process. Will bids be disclosed to other bidders? When?

It makes a huge difference if they go to final but still open binding bids, or such only for designated finalists or straight to final negotiations with one or more.

[Crow]

There are different statements being made as to whether the 02 arena has enough dates for an NBA Europe team. There may not be a firm answer. It depends what they want to offer and at what price, what the team can / will pay and what each thinks about the long-term opportunities, attendance and ancillary.

[Crow]

"Having the support of Real Madrid, among others, Chus Bueno was voted in as the new EuroLeague CEO. The interest shown by the Spanish giant after two years of distance from EuroLeague decision-making is also seen as a signal of its future intentions regarding the competition."

"He spent 12 years as NBA Vice President for Europe..."

What posture toward NBA Europe? How different from previous CEO? Accepting league instruction or leading?

Still must sign a contract. How long?

[Crow]

One author claims: "Mexico also under study" for a new league perhaps, some day.

[Crow]

Euroleague interests are easy to see but was any "offer" a compromise with any prospects of gaining NBA agreement? Clear no agreement reached, if offered. Will there be any new realistic offer? To date, seems clear NBA was not negotiating. Assume that stays true, but it is at least a theoretical possibility. Especially if Real Madrid and everybody else do not bid for NBA Europe franchises.

[Crow]

To what extent has Middle East money infiltrated European sports media? Will it increase? It would seem logical to pursue for power.

Will Euroleague teams really compete to attract Middle East money to their equity base and media & sponsorship base? They probably should.

[Crow]

"The organisation added that Bueno will be tasked with building on its success and to further position its tournaments as the ‘undisputed premier basketball competitions in Europe’."

[Crow]

One report suggested NBA tried to smooth talk their way into the business side of EuroLeague and the ex-CEO was not receptive and that then the NBA essentially cut him off.

[Crow]

Recent Euroleague champion AS Monaco dealing with multiple financial issues.

[Crow]

An alternative to NBA Europe as presently conceived:


4 teams- Berlin, Paris, Madrid, London.
No local leagues but 8-16 games against other European teams willing to schedule and desirous to schedule.
8-16 games against NBA teams, both home and away.
8 regular season games against each of the others than a playoff probably a 3 then 5 game series.

Do that for at least a few years before considering expansion.

Team salary minimum of 50 million euros.
Raise the level of play.

Franchise at big prices only to owners who are willing to run major teams.


Not that implicitly, directly competitive / destructive of other leagues. An apex addition.

Every game or almost every game could be in the media package and generally higher quality. Divide that money mostly 4 ways instead of 16, with appearance fees for guest opponents.

The biggest markets, the richest markets. Possibly able to do business, their way, without a big league office.

There is a potential middle ground between full NBA Europe concept and this super tight group. Something like an 8 team start.


NBA Europe is the bigger potential cash grab, if it succeeds. It could be the bigger long-term success, if it succeeds.