The NBA is investing $3 billion into a new European basketball league as it looks to expand top-level competition beyond the US.
The project has already attracted major investor interest, with bids reportedly ranging from $500 million to over $1 billion. To ease concerns about profitability, the NBA plans to guarantee annual payments for teams and increase prize money.
More than 120 groups have reportedly expressed interest, including investment firms, football clubs, wealthy individuals, and existing European basketball teams.
The league would operate separately from the current EuroLeague and combine the American franchise system with European-style competition. Around 12 founding teams are expected to avoid relegation, while additional spots would open each season based on performance.
The NBA will initially own a 52% stake in the league, though that share is expected to shrink as more teams join.