EuroLeague’s shareholder clubs rejected the NBA’s current collaboration proposal at their 6 October meeting in Cernobbio, Italy, while agreeing to move ahead with converting their existing licences into franchises — a significant step in the contest over who shapes European basketball’s future.
But the meeting did not settle everything. Further NBA talks remain possible, and the clubs did not formally approve an expansion from 20 to 24 teams.
Reuters reported the rejection and the continued possibility of negotiations. The Athletic independently reported that the NBA’s proposal was rejected, citing three sources briefed on the meeting.
The outcome leaves EuroLeague pursuing changes to its own business model without ruling out a future agreement with the NBA.
What the shareholders agreed
The clearest confirmed decision concerned the 13 shareholder clubs’ place in the competition’s ownership structure.
According to EuroLeague’s meeting statement, reproduced by Basketball Sphere, attending owners agreed to begin converting the shareholders’ current 10-year licences into franchises. Sportando also reported that decision.
That is an agreement to proceed with the conversion process, not an announcement that every legal and commercial detail has already been completed. The distinction matters: the clubs have chosen a direction for their long-term relationship with EuroLeague, but implementation still lies ahead.
Owners also agreed to continue reviewing opportunities to increase the number of franchises. The board was tasked with assessing the proposals and bringing back a final recommendation for approval in the coming weeks.
Franchise conversion is not 24-team approval
Two separate questions were on the table: how clubs participate in EuroLeague’s business, and how many teams play in the competition.
The franchise decision addresses the first. It does not automatically resolve the second.
Reuters reported that the broader proposal would increase the competition from 20 to 24 teams, with up to eight additional long-term licences alongside the 13 shareholders. Other places would be allocated through short-term licences, wildcards and sporting qualification through the EuroCup.
Those arrangements remain proposed rather than an approved competition format. Tuesday’s meeting advanced the franchise process and the expansion review; it did not confirm four additional teams, select new entrants or announce a revised fixture structure.
NBA talks are not over
The rejection itself was reported by Reuters and The Athletic rather than announced in EuroLeague’s public meeting statement, which did not address the NBA offer directly.
The Athletic’s reporting also points to dissatisfaction with the proposal’s terms, rather than a uniform refusal to work with the NBA. Reuters similarly reported that discussions could continue.
The NBA is developing a separate European competition, with The Athletic reporting a planned structure of 12 permanent franchises and four places available through sporting qualification. Both organisations have indicated they are prepared to pursue their own projects if they cannot reach an agreement.
That makes this meeting consequential without making it a final break. EuroLeague’s owners have turned down the offer currently before them and advanced their own franchise plans. What remains unresolved is whether another proposal can bridge the two projects — and whether EuroLeague’s expansion review ultimately produces a 24-team competition.
Comments