NBA Europe is taking shape. Mark Tatum, deputy commissioner of the NBA, confirmed that the goal is for the new competition to launch in October 2027.
The executive explained that the NBA continues to speak with the EuroLeague, but also made clear that the project does not necessarily depend on an agreement with them. If there is no understanding, the NBA is prepared to move forward with FIBA and its partners.
"We are building a system that will benefit European clubs starting in October 2027," Tatum said, also noting that bids will close at the end of the month before entering the next phase of the process.
Tatum also wanted to respond to criticism about the economic model of the future competition. According to his explanation, around 90% of the project's revenue will stay in Europe and be reinvested in European basketball.
Another important point is that the next Basketball Champions League champion would have a spot in NBA Europe, another sign of the weight that FIBA will have in the new landscape that the NBA wants to build on the continent.