Adam Silver says NBA Europe talks with EuroLeague remain ongoing

WhyNBA Sports Desk ยท Oct 10, 2026

The story

NBA commissioner Adam Silver says discussions with EuroLeague are continuing despite the rejection of an initial collaboration proposal.

The story

In an October 9 interview with CNBC in Macao, Silver expressed confidence that the sides could reach an agreement as the NBA prepares its European league project.

The story

His comments describe ongoing negotiations, not a completed partnership. CNBC reported that EuroLeague's shareholder clubs had rejected a formal NBA offer earlier in the week. Silver nevertheless said the NBA was moving forward with the project it calls NBA Europe.

A launch target, not a finished agreement

According to CNBC, the NBA continues to target October 2027 for the new competition's launch. That date remains a target. Silver's interview did not announce a signed EuroLeague deal, final participating clubs or a finished competition schedule.

A launch target, not a finished agreement

Silver also said potential franchise bids had come from existing European basketball clubs, major soccer brands and investors interested in starting new teams. CNBC reported that he described prospective valuations in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

A launch target, not a finished agreement

Those remarks should not be read as confirmation that particular clubs have been admitted.

A launch target, not a finished agreement

Eurohoops' coverage of the same interview also emphasized Silver's expectation of finding an arrangement with EuroLeague while continuing the NBA's plans. Both accounts point to negotiations still in progress rather than a settled merger.

A launch target, not a finished agreement

The next major development would be a formal announcement explaining what, if anything, the organizations have agreed to.

A launch target, not a finished agreement

Until then, the distinction between the NBA's intended launch, reported proposals and an actual deal remains important for fans following the future of European club basketball.

A launch target, not a finished agreement

Checked October 10, 2026. Sources: CNBC and Eurohoops.

Photo credit

Madison Square Garden in June 2019, a file photo by Ajay Suresh, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Resized from the original; WordPress generates display sizes. Not a photo of the 2026 announcement.

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