By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net

Two days after the meeting in Geneva, EuroLeague Basketball officially presented its stance on the talks about the creation of NBA Europe.

EuroLeague “emphasizing that any potential framework for cooperation must respect the following core principles“.

Those principles are shared benefit, cultural integrity, competitive excellence, and European Governance. Αll of them can be considered debatable from the other side, according to the reports and information about the new league, since it’s clear that the NBA will manage the league, and new clubs will be created in less advanced basketball markets.

Meanwhile, per Eurohoops sources, the NBA confirmed to EuroLeague clubs that there are no guaranteed spots for all in NBA Europe, even if they are all welcomed to join the new ecosystem, which is expected to include the Basketball Champions League.

For the EuroLeague, including all the clubs/shareholders in the new league is non-negotiable.

The full press release: A meeting between Euroleague Basketball management, EuroLeague clubs, NBA management, and FIBA leadership took place on October 8, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. This was the second meeting held between the parties in recent months, following the joint announcement by the NBA and FIBA to explore the potential creation of “NBA Europe,” a new international club competition. At the previous meeting, Euroleague Basketball presented a proposal for a collaboration framework that, to date, has not received any meaningful response.

While the meeting concluded without any further details on the envisioned ‘NBA Europe’ project other than the publicly available information being shared, Euroleague Basketball extends its appreciation to the NBA for the constructive dialogue and to FIBA for promoting and hosting the meetings, as well as for its ongoing efforts to identify a collaborative framework that benefits all parties involved.

Representing its clubs, which met earlier this week in Barcelona to discuss and share their views on this matter, Euroleague Basketball reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement in these discussions, emphasizing that any potential framework for cooperation must respect the following core principles:

1. Shared Benefit: Any proposal must bring value to all stakeholders and to European basketball as a whole, without marginalizing the organizations and individuals who have built today’s elite club basketball structure.

2. Cultural Integrity: The traditions, fan bases, and unique identity of European basketball must be protected and preserved.

3. Competitive Excellence: Any initiative should aim to maintain and enhance the high competitive standards of European basketball.

4. European Governance: Decision-making authority must remain in Europe to ensure that the interests of European basketball take precedence.

Euroleague Basketball and its clubs remain committed to engaging in constructive discussions with the NBA and FIBA, provided these fundamental principles are upheld throughout the process.

The official reaction of the NBA comes with a written statement by NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director, George Aivazoglou: “In collaboration with FIBA, we continue to have good-faith discussions with the EuroLeague about a new model for European basketball that would accelerate the growth of the game, celebrate the rich basketball traditions in so many cities and countries, and better serve fans across the continent. We remain open to working with the EuroLeague on this project, provided we can align on our assessment of the enormous potential for the game in Europe.”

For the NBA, it’s obvious that the current system is not considered viable, and current EuroLeague teams will not be excluded, but can be either permanent members of the new league or qualify for the open spots left.