Latest Basketball News

đź“…April 2, 2026 at 1:00 AM
NBA advances European league expansion with strong investor bids up to $1B and potential EuroLeague merger talks; College Basketball Crown tournament tips off; USA Basketball names 3x3 rosters.[17 words]
1

NBA Closes Investor Bidding for European Expansion

The NBA has closed its investor bidding process for a new European league as of late March 2026, with bids ranging from $500 million to over $1 billion for teams in cities like London, Paris, and Milan.Source 1Source 3 Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum noted strong interest from over 120 investors, reflecting belief in untapped potential for European basketball.Source 4 The league will review bids and shortlist partners before presenting to the Board of Governors.Source 3

2

NBA and EuroLeague Eye Joint Project Over Competition

Talks are progressing toward collaboration between the NBA and EuroLeague, led by CEO Chus Bueno, a former NBA executive acting as a bridge-builder.Source 1 Both sides recognize that fragmentation would dilute talent and revenue, potentially leading to a unified competition model.Source 1 No formal meetings have occurred yet, but mutual interest exists to maximize basketball in Europe.Source 3

3

Strong Bids from Major Investors for NBA Europe Teams

Investors including RedBird Capital, Qatar Sports Investments, and Saudi Arabia’s PIF have bid on franchises valued near $1 billion initially, though some closer to $500 million.Source 1 Target cities include London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Rome, Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Munich, Athens, and Istanbul.Source 4 More than a dozen existing teams, including EuroLeague clubs, have submitted bids.Source 4

4

NBA-FIBA Receive Overwhelming Support for European League

NBA governors showed overwhelming support at the March 24-25 Board meeting for the proposed 12-team league launching in 2027, backed by FIBA.Source 3Source 4 Mark Tatum highlighted the scale of bids as evidence of market confidence in the model.Source 4Source 5 A phased approach will prioritize serious bids aligning with long-term vision.Source 4

5

EuroLeague CEO Pushes for NBA Collaboration

Chus Bueno, EuroLeague CEO since Jan. 30, hopes for a solution maximizing Europe's basketball product and has spoken with the NBA.Source 1Source 3 He dismissed prior legal threats from his predecessor as off the table.Source 3 NBA agreed to wait for market testing completion before deeper talks.Source 1

6

College Basketball Crown Tournament Tips Off in Las Vegas

The 2026 College Basketball Crown, a single-elimination event with eight power-conference teams, begins this week at MGM Grand and T-Mobile Arena.Source 2 It features a $500,000 NIL prize pool and teams like Oklahoma, Stanford, Baylor, and Creighton.Source 2 First-round games start Wednesday, with semis Saturday and final Sunday.Source 2

7

Expert Predicts Oklahoma to Win College Basketball Crown

FOX Sports analysts predict Oklahoma as champions due to their hot streak, winning six of last seven with improved defense and backcourt duo Nijel Pack and Xzayvier Brown.Source 2 Opening round picks include Oklahoma over Colorado and Creighton over Rutgers.Source 2 Semifinals see Oklahoma over Baylor, leading to title win over Creighton.Source 2

8

Stanford Favored by Some for Crown Title with Star Guard

Stanford's Ebuka Okorie is highlighted as a game-changer, with the Cardinal securing five wins over NCAA Tournament teams.Source 2 Analyst LaPhonso Ellis picks West Virginia over Stanford in quarters but sees potential.Source 2 The bracket includes intriguing freshman stars and coaching storylines.Source 2

9

USA Basketball Announces 3x3 Rosters for FIBA Pro Circuit

USA Basketball revealed rosters today for Team Miami and Team Phoenix ahead of the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Men's Pro Circuit.Source 6 These teams will compete in the professional 3x3 events.Source 6 Announcement positions USA strongly for the international circuit.Source 6

10

NBA Targets $5 Billion Investment in European Venture

The NBA aims for up to $5 billion total investment in the European project, marking a restructuring of global basketball economics.Source 1 This collaboration could be the most significant international development in decades.Source 1 Bids reflect massive financial stakes across targeted markets.Source 1

11

FIBA and NBA Plan Phased Rollout for New League Teams

Announcements on final terms, launch, and teams expected on a rolling basis rather than all at once.Source 4 FIBA will handle its own process post-NBA Board engagement.Source 4 Successful bids are the only path to permanent spots, even amid EuroLeague talks.Source 4

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