NBA Eyes European Expansion with PSG and Real Madrid Showing Interest
The National Basketball Association is aggressively pursuing a major European expansion, with preliminary discussions underway with prominent soccer clubs like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid to participate in a new, planned basketball championship set to launch in 2027. This ambitious project, developed in collaboration with FIBA, aims to establish a significant basketball presence across the continent.
A senior NBA official confirmed meetings with potential investors during a recent trip to London and Berlin. Talks with Real Madrid were held ahead of an NBA game featuring the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin last Thursday, with both teams scheduled to play again this Sunday in London.
A New League to Rival the EuroLeague
The proposed championship envisions a 16-team format, with 10 to 12 teams guaranteed fixed participation. The remaining spots will be allocated based on sporting merit, creating a competitive landscape. While the specific teams haven’t been announced, the NBA intends to include both established European basketball clubs and new franchises in emerging markets.
“We are looking at a mix of existing European teams and new teams,” the official stated, highlighting the potential for growth in countries like the United Kingdom and Germany, which currently have a limited basketball tradition.
PSG’s Potential Role and Investment Landscape
Despite having no current involvement in basketball, PSG has expressed interest in the project. According to a company release, the NBA recognizes PSG’s strengths in brand building and community engagement.
“It is one of the clubs with which we have had conversations. We have enormous respect for their operational capabilities,” the official said. “They have the knowledge to manage a basketball club of the highest level, if they are interested.”
PSG is owned by Qatar Sports Investments, a subsidiary of the Qatari sovereign wealth fund. Currently, NBA regulations limit sovereign wealth fund ownership in teams to 20%. However, the league appears open to revising this restriction to accommodate potential investors.
“We are open to different types of investors, such as principal investors, that are not currently allowed in the NBA,” the official added.
France as a Key Market and the Wembanyama Effect
France is identified as a particularly valuable market for the NBA, fueled by the growing number of French players excelling in the league. San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, a rising superstar, exemplifies this trend.
“Paris is a market we absolutely want to be in,” said NBA COO Mark Tatum. “One of the most interesting things about PSG is its ability to build brand, culture and community.”
The NBA’s European expansion represents a significant strategic move, aiming to capitalize on the growing global popularity of basketball and establish a lasting presence in a key international market. The success of this venture will likely depend on attracting high-profile investors and fostering strong relationships with existing European basketball stakeholders.
© 2026 AFP
