The NBA and FIBA announced plans to launch a new European basketball league in October 2027. The league is expected to start with 12 permanent license teams in its first phase. Host cities include Rome, Milan, London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Munich, Athens, and Istanbul.
According to a report by The Sports Consultancy, the economic activity generated in Istanbul from 2027 to 2036 is projected to be $2.2 billion. This estimate includes direct revenues from tickets, licensed products, and broadcast rights, as well as tourism, full-time employment, and supply chain effects.
The contribution to Turkey's GDP is expected to be $819 million over 10 years. The project is estimated to support 176 full-time jobs per year in Turkey.
Istanbul is expected to host 213 different events, reaching 3.6 million spectators. Basketball has 270 million fans in Europe and is the fastest-growing sport on the continent, second only to football in spectator interest.
The NBA cites growing European talent: at the start of the last NBA season, 71 Europeans were on rosters, the highest ever. European players have won the NBA MVP award five times in the last eight years.
The sports media and sponsorship market in Europe is estimated at $45 billion, but basketball's share is less than 1%. The NBA's 80-year organizational experience, global marketing reach of 2 billion fans, and proven economic model are expected to help commercialize European basketball.
The league is expected to adopt a semi-open format. In the first season, 16 teams are planned: 12 with permanent licenses and 4 spots determined by performance in FIBA competitions and the Basketball Champions League.