NBA Europe Setback: Barcelona to Remain in EuroLeague
Tuesday 13 January 2026 4:02 pm
NBA Europe suffers setback as Barcelona plan to stay in EuroLeague
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Barcelona have reportedly informed the NBA that they intend to remain in the EuroLeague, dealing a blow to the league’s ambitions to expand further into Europe.
The Catalan giants were one of several clubs approached by the NBA about joining a European division, but according to Marca, they have turned down the offer.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is said to be happy with the current structure of the EuroLeague and believes it offers a more stable and lucrative future for the club.
The NBA had hoped to launch a European division as early as 2025, with teams from spain, Italy and Greece among those considered. Though, the reluctance of top clubs like Barcelona to leave the EuroLeague presents a critically important obstacle.
The EuroLeague is a well-established competition with a loyal fanbase, and clubs are wary of disrupting that by joining a new league with an uncertain future.
The NBA’s European ambitions have also been hampered by concerns over travel logistics and the potential impact on domestic leagues.
Despite the setback, the NBA is expected to continue exploring options for expanding its presence in Europe, perhaps through pre-season games and other initiatives.
The NBA’s plans to launch a new basketball league in europe next year have suffered a setback after Barcelona reportedly decided against signing up to the aspiring project.
Barcelona, one of the continent’s most accomplished and prestigious teams, were among the established names courted by the NBA and its advisors JPMorgan and Raine Group.
But the club are said to have instead decided to stay in EuroLeague for a further 10 years, dealing a major blow to the NBA as its chiefs visit Europe this week.
Real Madrid are yet to show their hand but Barcelona’s continued presence in EuroLeague is considered to make it more likely that their fellow Spaniards follow suit.
It comes as the NBA’s top executives, Adam Silver and Mark Tatum, visit Berlin and London this week for the league’s annual overseas games and, as revealed by City AM last month, to present to prospective sponsors. Both cities have been lined up to have teams in NBA Europe.
NBA Expansion to Europe: A Developing plan
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is actively exploring expansion into Europe,with London and Manchester emerging as potential host cities for new franchises. This initiative, driven by the league’s growing international popularity and financial opportunities, represents a significant shift in the NBA’s global strategy.
The NBA’s European Strategy and Timeline
The NBA first signaled its intent to expand internationally in 2022, and plans have steadily progressed since then. While no firm timeline exists, Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated a potential expansion decision could come as early as 2025, with games potentially beginning in the 2026-2027 season. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussed European expansion plans during a February 2024 interview.
the league is currently focused on evaluating potential ownership groups and securing suitable arenas in prospective cities. London and Manchester are considered frontrunners due to their large populations, existing basketball fan bases, and established infrastructure.
Potential European Franchise Locations: London and Manchester
London is currently the leading candidate for a European NBA franchise. The city has hosted regular-season NBA games since 2011, demonstrating a consistent demand for the sport. The NBA has played multiple games in London since 2011, consistently drawing large crowds.
Manchester is also being seriously considered, notably given its successful hosting of the basketball Champions League Final in 2024. The city’s AO arena is a potential venue, and local authorities have expressed strong support for bringing an NBA team to the region. The Manchester Evening News reported on the city’s bid for an NBA team in April 2024.
Financial Implications and league Approval
Expansion fees for new NBA franchises are expected to exceed $500 million, potentially reaching upwards of $600 million. This revenue would be shared among existing team owners. The NBA Board of Governors must approve any expansion plan by a three-fourths vote (23 of 30 teams). Sportico detailed the potential financial impact of NBA expansion in February 2024.
The addition of European teams would considerably expand the NBA’s global reach and revenue streams, including media rights, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Analysts predict that European expansion could increase the NBA’s annual revenue by hundreds of millions of dollars.
Several key entities are involved in the NBA’s European expansion plans:
- Adam Silver: NBA Commissioner, leading the expansion initiative.
- NBA Board of Governors: Responsible for approving any expansion plan.
- London legacy Development Corporation: A key partner in potential london franchise development.
- manchester City Council: Supporting Manchester’s bid for a team.
- AEG: arena operator potentially involved in hosting NBA games in both cities.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
Despite the enthusiasm,several challenges remain. Logistical hurdles related to travel, scheduling, and player adaptation to different time zones need to be addressed. The NBA also needs to ensure that European franchises are competitive and financially viable. The Guardian outlined the logistical challenges of NBA expansion to Europe in February 2024.
Furthermore, the NBA must navigate potential conflicts with existing European basketball leagues, such as the EuroLeague, to avoid competition for players and fans. The league is actively engaging with European basketball officials to foster collaboration and minimize disruption.