The NBA has confirmed key details about the highly anticipated NBA Europe, which is expected to launch in October 2027. Speaking to L’Équipe, George Aivazoglou, the NBA’s general manager for Europe and the Middle East, revealed the competition’s structure, vision, and what makes it unique.
16 Teams, Semi-Open Structure
The league will feature 16 teams in its inaugural season — with 12 permanent franchises and 4 qualifying spots for clubs advancing through external competitions. The Basketball Champions League (organized by FIBA) is set to serve as a major pathway for these qualification places.
“Our vision is a semi-open competition with 16 teams — 12 permanent franchises and 4 qualifying from other competitions, with the Basketball Champions League as a central pathway,” Aivazoglou explained.
A “Pyramid System” Like Football
NBA Europe is designed to mirror European football competitions by blending top-level consistency with open opportunities.
“We want to create a pyramid system, similar to football’s Champions League and Europa League,” Aivazoglou said. “We like that comparison — it’s easy for people to understand, and it rewards performance. We want Cinderella stories, like Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2016, to still be possible.”
Format and Rules Under Discussion
While the structure is still being finalized, Aivazoglou suggested a round-robin stage where every team plays each other, followed by playoffs and finals. Games are expected to follow European basketball rules, as clubs will continue to compete in their respective national leagues alongside NBA Europe.