Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo shared his thoughts on the NBA Europe project, calling European basketball a complex ecosystem while pointing to potential business opportunities. Speaking in Berlin, Iisalo stressed the need for alignment among all leagues and stakeholders as the NBA pushes toward a possible 2027 launch.
European basketball could be entering a new era, with the NBA moving forward with plans to launch an NBA Europe league as early as October 2027.
The topic was addressed this week in Berlin, where Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo spoke prior to his team's game against the Orlando Magic. Before coming to the NBA, Iisalo coached Paris Basketball and led them to EuroLeague Playoffs.
When asked about the possible impact of an NBA-run league in Europe, Iisalo stressed how complicated the current basketball landscape already is.
"Well, it's a European basketball, it's a complex ecosystem, so I'm not going to make any predictions," Iisalo said. "It's impossible to predict what will happen, and all I will say is that there are a lot of leagues. I hope everybody is aligned in that. I do see opportunities with the NBA Europe project."
"One of them on the business side; business-wise, European basketball has not been very profitable, even though it's very high level and I think the second biggest sport, team sport right now in Europe. So hopefully that will help in that regard. And I hope all the stakeholders are aligned in how that ecosystem will look."
Credit Getty Images via AFP-SCANPIX
The comments came as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver prepares to attend two regular-season games in London and Berlin, featuring the Grizzlies and the Magic. The games are part of the NBA's growing presence in Europe and come amid serious discussions about launching a new league on the continent.
NBA Europe project is expected to include 12 permanent franchises, with four additional teams able to qualify without owning equity. The NBA would hold a 50 percent stake in the league, while FIBA and team owners would also have ownership shares.
The NBA is also planning a private conference in London in mid-January, where potential sponsors, media partners, and investors will be invited to learn more about the project. Existing NBA owners have reportedly shown interest in buying stakes in European teams as well.
To attract investors, the league may allow ownership buy-ins over multiple years instead of requiring a large upfront payment. While many details remain undecided, the project continues to gain momentum, raising important questions about the future structure of European basketball.
Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.