PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta Chairman of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Milan and Inter are reportedly among the clubs exploring involvement in an NBA Europe franchise, with the American league preparing to launch a European competition as early as 2027.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the project would involve 10-12 permanent franchises based in major cities across the continent, combining American organisation with European markets.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum confirmed the strategy, explaining that “the initial plan is to have permanent teams in 10-12 cities, mainly in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France and Germany – and possibly Turkey and Greece. We are considering a mix of existing clubs, new franchises and football teams that want to invest in basketball.”
The entry fee is expected to range between €250m and €500m, with European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Fenerbahçe all described as “very likely” to join the new league.
Milan clubs considering NBA Europe participation
Both Milan and Inter are said to be strongly interested, as ownership groups RedBird (Milan) and Oaktree (Inter) view basketball as an expanding commercial frontier that could strengthen their multi-sport business models.
A decision is expected within the next two months.
While details are still being finalised, Italy is considered one of the core markets for the launch, with Milan seen as a leading candidate city for a future franchise.
If successful, it would mark the first time Serie A clubs take part in a US-style franchise league, bringing European football brands directly into the NBA ecosystem.
