Euroleague Clubs Reject NBA Collaboration, Panathinaikos Owner Calls for Solution

In a meeting in Italy, Euroleague’s shareholder clubs turned down a proposal from the NBA to create a new continental competition. The offer, aimed at integrating Europe’s top clubs into the NBA’s expanding global footprint, was declined, leaving the future of a joint league uncertain. Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos, a seven‑time European champion, urged the clubs to find a way to work with the NBA, warning that the sport could become a competition dominated by the American league’s investment. While the Euroleague said it remains open to collaboration, a senior executive noted that any partnership would likely not materialise before 2028, as organising a new competition for the 2027‑28 season would be difficult. The NBA’s plan to launch a 16‑team NBA Europe league in 2027 faces a setback, and the rejection highlights the tension between commercial ambitions and the desire to preserve European basketball’s independence.