Arguably, the most prestigious brand in all of global sports is coming to the NBA.
Well, kinda.
On Thursday, news broke that Real Madrid is set to leave the EuroLeague and join the NBA Europe project, which is scheduled to begin in 2027 or 2028, per Spain‘s COPE.
It is a massive move for Adam Silver’s newest creation, which he hopes will create a secondary league that can rival the NBA’s worldwide influence. With the influx of top European talent over the past decade, including numerous top players in the league, the new league is expected to have monstrous franchise valuations in its first few years of existence.
Real Madrid will be one of the 12 founding franchises in the league that hasn’t been officially named.
More News:Lakers Urged to Keep LeBron, Trade Luka Doncic to Compete for NBA Title
A soccer powerhouse that has won the most Champions Leagues of any club in Europe, the mere presence of Real Madrid in Silver’s newest creation is a massive boon for the project and a staggering blow for the EuroLeague.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic made a name for himself before being drafted by playing professionally for Real Madrid, winning a championship in 2018, and being named Final Four MVP.
The question now is whether eternal rival Barcelona will join Madrid in this newly forming league. Although Barcelona has an agreement with the EuroLeague, there appears to be a clause for the club to exit and sign with the NBA in the coming months.
Fellow European soccer giant Germany’s Bayern Munich is heavily rumored to be a favorite to be one of the 12 inaugural franchises.
While Silver is interested in bringing two English powerhouses, Manchester City and Manchester United, into the fold, both clubs appear wary of the investment. They aren’t likely to join the burgeoning league at that time, with the possibility of groups from Tottenham or Newcastle taking those spots.
French club ASVEL, owned by former NBA star and multi-time champion Tony Parker, is also considered a contender for one of the French spots.
For Italy, AC Milan has been linked to having an interest in what the NBA is building in Europe.
Newsweek