NBA receives billion-dollar bids for proposed European franchises
The National Basketball Association has received multiple billion-dollar bids to establish franchises in its proposed European league ahead of a potential 2027 launch.
Initial plans for the trans-Atlantic expansion target between 10 and 12 permanent franchises to compete on an annual basis.
Sources understand several offers exceed the $1bn (£750m) threshold, with multiple other proposals ranging from $500m to $1bn.
New teams and existing giants
The prospective continental competition is expected to feature a mix of newly created entities alongside established basketball and football clubs.
More than a dozen existing outfits have reportedly held discussions regarding the venture.
That contingent includes participants from the EuroLeague, the continent’s current premier tournament which has been managed by Euroleague Basketball since 2000.
Mark Tatum, the North American organisation’s deputy commissioner, confirmed the influx of lucrative proposals.
“The level of engagement and the scale of the bids reflect the marketplace’s belief in our proposed model and the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball.”
British interest and continental friction
Organisers are currently working towards launching the ambitious project as early as the 2027-28 campaign.
The final lineup could ultimately expand to 16 teams, with strong expectations that both London and Manchester will secure coveted spots.
However, the prospect of a breakaway tournament has sparked significant concern among current European administrators.
Previous reports suggest EuroLeague officials could threaten legal action if affiliated clubs break existing contractual agreements to join the rival setup.
BBC Sport has approached the continent’s current governing competition for comment on the unfolding situation.
Meanwhile, executives stateside will now begin evaluating the formal applications to determine the strongest candidates.
“We will now review the bids in more detail and shortlist the partners who share our vision and commitment to accelerating the growth of the game across the continent.”