NBA gamers consider they need to obtain a share of the income generated by NBA Europe, with NBPA government director David Kelly elevating the problem because the league strikes towards a planned 2027 launch.
Talking to Front Office Sports, Kelly mentioned NBA Europe is being constructed partly on the worth and international profile created by present and former NBA gamers, regardless of these gamers not taking part within the new competitors or its economics.
“It’s clearly being constructed on the backs of present NBA gamers, and prior NBA gamers, on the entire cachet that they delivered to this league,” Kelly mentioned. “After which to begin a rival league that they don’t take part in, take part within the economics of, now we have a really significant issue with that.”
The present collective bargaining settlement provides NBA gamers roughly 51% of basketball-related revenue, however Kelly mentioned the union isn’t in search of the identical proportion from NBA Europe. As an alternative, he argued that the brand new league’s income ought to nonetheless generate a “good religion” fee to NBA gamers.
The dispute provides one other monetary query to the NBA’s plans for Europe. NBA Europe is focusing on an October 2027 launch with 16 groups, together with 12 everlasting franchises and 4 annual merit-based qualifiers, whereas the NBA continues talks with FIBA and the EuroLeague over a possible partnership.
These talks have produced a number of conferences however no merger or formal settlement. Governance, franchise charges, income sharing and participant motion stay among the many unresolved points, leaving each the NBA and EuroLeague ready to maneuver ahead independently.
The EuroLeague has meanwhile announced plans to expand to 24 teams for the 2027-28 season, the identical marketing campaign focused for the launch of NBA Europe. The growth would come with 21 everlasting franchises and two EuroCup qualification spots, with the league additionally contemplating an extra improve to 30 groups by 2029.
More than 20 bids have reportedly been submitted for NBA Europe franchises, with proposed valuations starting from $500 million to greater than $1 billion. The NBA’s Board of Governors is predicted to make choices on the profitable bids earlier than the tip of 2026.
