European basketball may be on the verge of one of the most significant transformations in its history. The NBA, in collaboration with FIBA, has been working for months on the creation of a new professional competition in Europe. Although the project remains in its planning phase, it has already sparked both concern and excitement across the EuroLeague landscape.

The current roadmap points to a launch in 2027, with a structure inspired by the NBA’s franchise-based model. The proposed competition would feature 16 teams, most of them holding guaranteed licenses, while only a limited number of places would be awarded based on sporting merit. Entry into this league would come at a steep price, with discussions centered on multimillion-dollar investments supported by major television deals and global sponsors.

Europe’s biggest cities are firmly in the spotlight. Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, and Milan are among the preferred markets, and historic institutions such as Real Madrid are repeatedly mentioned as potential cornerstones of this new project.

In response, the EuroLeague has not remained passive. The organization has moved to secure the long-term commitment of many of its clubs, reinforcing contracts and seeking stability in the face of a development that could dramatically alter the current ecosystem. The coexistence of both models appears highly complex, and for now, the possibility of a merger between the two competitions seems remote.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the EuroLeague Clásico, Sergio Scariolo chose not to go into detail about the NBA’s potential expansion into Europe. However, he made it clear that, in his view, the most positive outcome would be cooperation rather than confrontation. “Ideally, they should join forces instead of clashing,” the coach said, advocating for a scenario that strengthens European basketball as a whole.

The Real Madrid coach drew on his extensive experience in both European and American basketball, highlighting his appreciation for the current competitive level of the EuroLeague while also recalling his positive memories from the United States. In that sense, he stressed that “anything that adds options rather than takes them away is good for European basketball,” encapsulating his open and conciliatory stance.

Scariolo also urged calm in the face of future uncertainties, warning against overreaction. He reminded everyone of Real Madrid’s institutional strength and history, insisting that “there is no reason to panic” when speaking about a club with more than a century of legacy and a secure future.

Finally, the coach emphasized the importance of long-term thinking. Avoiding impulsive decisions, he argued, is essential to preventing strategic mistakes. Scariolo expressed full confidence in the club’s leadership, underlining that those responsible for the basketball section operate with a long-term vision rather than short-term impulses.

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