Feb. 11, 2026, 2:12 a.m. ET
The NBA announced in January that the league has expansion plans, in partnership with FIBA, to introduce a new league in Europe as early as 2027. It has already began to draw interest from investors who want in on the new league.
An investment group backed by Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic and basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki have plans to buy an Italian basketball team with hopes of joining the NBA-European league, according to The Athletic.
NBA Senior Vice President and Head of International Strategy Leah MacNab said the proposed European league will be made up of a 16 teams with 10 to 12 permanent teams and at least four rotational spots similar to other European sport leagues.
“It is a very European system,” said MacNab. “We want to introduce a merit-based pathway into the league so that even teams in lower leagues can have the opportunity to play at the highest level of competition.”
MacNab added that the concept is still a ways away. Nevertheless, the goal is to expand the basketball market which has already gone global.
The league’s potential rotation of teams would allow teams from other continents a chance to compete to qualify for the unnamed NBA-European league.
It also gives players the opportunity to play on the largest stage and gain exposure that could help them to one day land in the NBA.