NBA, FIBA 'Remain Committed' to European League After Proposal Rejected by EuroLeague Owners

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Despite EuroLeague owners rejecting a merger offer this week, the NBA and FIBA announced Thursday that they are moving forward with plans to create a new NBA Europe league.

In a joint statement, the NBA and FIBA said, "A partnership between the EuroLeague, FIBA and the NBA to unify the European basketball ecosystem would unlock the game's enormous potential across Europe for the benefit of clubs, players and, most importantly, fans. The NBA and FIBA remain committed to moving forward with a new professional men's league in Europe and helping build a stronger, more sustainable basketball ecosystem alongside partners who share our vision of growth, opportunity and the core principles of the European sports model."

Per ESPN's Brian Windhorst, there is still an "open door" for the EuroLeague to negotiate with the NBA and FIBA, meaning the merger remains a possibility.

Windhorst added that the EuroLeague's initial rejection of a merger was due to the belief among EuroLeague owners that the NBA and FIBA undervalued the league.

Despite that, one of the EuroLeague's top teams, FC Barcelona, has gone on record as saying that talks between the EuroLeague and both the NBA and FIBA aren't necessarily dead.

In a statement provided to Jerome Pugmire of the Associated Press, Barcelona noted, "Should that proposal be amended in the future, the clubs and the EuroLeague will reconsider it."

According to Pugmire, there are currently 13 shareholder members in the EuroLeague and 20 teams overall, but the NBA wants a 16-team league.

It was also reported by L'Equipe (h/t Pugmire) that the NBA offered to pay "each future member 400 million euros ($448 million)."

Despite the EuroLeague's rejection, the NBA could launch its European league as early as 2027, with Windhorst noting that the NBA is fielding expansion offers and interest from existing teams as well.

Before the EuroLeague's official vote this week, EuroLeague Basketball CEO Chus Bueno told reporters that the EuroLeague planned to "compete" with NBA Europe if a deal is not struck.

While every indication is that an alliance is still possible, the potential for dueling professional basketball leagues in Europe exists as well.