EuroLeague's shareholder clubs have rejected the NBA's current proposal to collaborate on its planned NBA Europe competition, potentially setting up a major battle over the future of elite club basketball in Europe.
Representatives of EuroLeague's 13 permanent shareholder clubs met near Lake Como, Italy, on Tuesday, with the NBA's proposal among the major issues under discussion.
According to Reuters, the clubs rejected the offer but left the door open to further negotiations. EuroLeague had confirmed last week that talks with the NBA were ongoing, and the latest decision does not represent a definitive end to those discussions.
The two organisations are developing competing visions for European basketball. The NBA has been working towards a new 16-team European competition, potentially launching for the 2027-28 season, while EuroLeague is pursuing its own long-term restructuring and expansion plans.
EuroLeague's proposal would ultimately expand the competition from 20 to 24 teams and transform its existing shareholder clubs into permanent franchises. The clubs agreed on Tuesday to continue the process of converting their existing licences into franchises, although no final decision was reached on the wider expansion plan.
The NBA and EuroLeague have both indicated they would prefer to find a way to work together, but both have also made clear they are prepared to pursue separate competitions if an agreement cannot be reached.
NBA Europe managing director George Aivazoglou is expected to provide a further public update on the NBA's European plans in London this week.