The National Basketball Association intends to reveal winning bidders for 12 permanent European teams within 60 to 90 days, Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum disclosed in an interview with CNBC. The announcement signals a major step in the league's long-awaited expansion across the Atlantic.
This move formalizes the NBA's push to establish a sustained presence in Europe, a region rich with basketball talent and fan enthusiasm. Creating permanent franchises—rather than occasional exhibition games—could reshape the global basketball landscape and unlock new revenue streams.
While Tatum provided no financial details on the bids, the process suggests a sizable investment from bidders. The league appears to be accelerating a plan that has been in exploratory stages for years, reflecting growing commercial interest in European basketball markets.
If finalized, the expansion would introduce 12 new teams to the NBA ecosystem, potentially altering competition structures and player development pipelines. It also raises questions about how existing European leagues, such as the EuroLeague, will respond to a direct competitor.
Critics caution that establishing a viable league abroad faces hurdles, including logistical challenges and the risk of diluting the NBA's brand. Europe's existing basketball infrastructure may not seamlessly integrate with a U.S.-style franchise model.