The NBA has formally approached QSI, PSG’s owner, about establishing a Paris-based franchise as part of the league's European expansion. Options include acquiring Paris Basketball or launching a new team.
Credit: AFP-Scanpix/BasketNews illustration
Credit AFP-Scanpix/BasketNews illustration
The NBA's long-discussed expansion into Europe is gaining momentum, with reports indicating that the league has formally approached Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), the main shareholder of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), to explore the creation of an NBA franchise in Paris.
According to Le Parisien, this marks a significant step toward establishing a European NBA championship, potentially as early as the 2026-2027 season.
A PSG spokesperson confirmed the discussions, stating, "We have expressed interest." The NBA aims to develop a competitive European league by introducing franchises in major cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Munich, Berlin, London, Manchester, Milan, Rome, Istanbul, Athens, and Paris. These locations share a common factor—global football brands that could serve as strong commercial and structural partners.
Given PSG’s international reach and QSI’s financial backing, the club is an ideal candidate for collaboration. The NBA's interest aligns with its strategy of leveraging established brands to ensure a successful European expansion.
According to Le Parisien, the NBA has presented QSI with two options: acquiring an existing club (most notably Paris Basketball), or creating a brand-new franchise. Paris Basketball, founded in 2018 by former NBA executives, is currently competing in the EuroLeague and has built a growing fanbase at the Adidas Arena. Club president David Kahn previously expressed excitement about the NBA’s European ambitions, stating, "It's going to be huge."
The alternative would be to establish a new team backed by QSI but independent of PSG. This approach would leverage branding and sponsorship opportunities, particularly through Arctos, a PSG minority shareholder with ties to NBA star Kevin Durant. Additionally, PSG’s long-standing partnership with Jordan Brand could serve as a natural gateway into the NBA ecosystem.
Momentum for the project has been building, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi reportedly meeting in January before an NBA event in Paris. Notably, rising NBA star and PSG supporter Victor Wembanyama was also present.
A decision on the NBA’s European expansion is expected soon. "The NBA will report this week on its exploration of a new men's basketball league in Europe, in partnership with FIBA," a recent league statement confirmed. The upcoming owners' meeting on March 27 could be a defining moment for the future of professional basketball in Europe.
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