Overview
- League leaders say final franchise bids are due by the end of June and that awards are expected in the autumn as the office reviews offers.
- The proposed competition is designed as a 16‑team league made up of 12 permanent clubs and four additional spots filled through qualification.
- The NBA and FIBA are driving the project while talks with EuroLeague continue, and league officials say they will proceed with FIBA and other investors if no integration deal materializes.
- Reports cite franchise price ranges around $500 million to $1 billion, and high‑profile moves such as Luka Dončić and Donnie Nelson’s purchase of Vanoli Cremona signal investor momentum for a Rome bid.
- Key issues remain unresolved, including whether active NBA players may hold ownership (requiring NBPA agreement) and final commitments on franchise fees and the league’s economic model.