Real estate discussion between NBA head honcho, Adam Silver, and Real Madrid explores the possibility of joining a European league, according to a recent news piece
Real Madrid, one of Europe's most successful and prestigious basketball clubs, has expressed interest in joining the NBA Europe League. This was evident in a meeting held in Paris on July 31, 2025, between NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Real Madrid leaders [1][2][3][4].
The club's historic position in European basketball, with an "A" license in the current EuroLeague that expires in 2026, could make its entry into the NBA Europe League significant [2][3]. If Real Madrid joins, other major EuroLeague clubs such as FC Barcelona, ASVEL Villeurbanne, and Fenerbahçe Istanbul might follow [1][2][3].
The potential benefits for both parties are substantial. For Real Madrid and other European clubs, joining the NBA Europe League could provide access to a wealthy, stable, and commercially advanced league backed by the NBA’s resources. This could lead to enhanced financial backing, global exposure, and a more unified and marketable competition structure [1][2].
For the NBA, incorporating European basketball’s most prestigious clubs could lend immediate credibility, attract high-level talent and investors, and establish a strong transcontinental basketball ecosystem. It could potentially integrate established EuroLeague franchises with new teams in major markets such as Paris and London [1][2].
However, the entry of Real Madrid and other top EuroLeague clubs into the NBA Europe League could challenge the existing EuroLeague structure. Several top teams might defect to the new league, potentially reshaping the European professional basketball landscape and altering competitive and commercial dynamics [1][2][3]. The new league is expected to start as early as the 2026–27 season, featuring around 16 teams with a mix of wealthy investors, EuroLeague defectors, and new franchises [1][5].
Real Madrid's financial success, which saw it top soccer's earning tree in 2023-24 with a record $1.13 billion [6], makes it an attractive partner for the NBA. The club's president, Florentino Pérez, has also explored relationships with other American leagues, including the NFL [7]. This year's game between the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders at Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid's soccer stadium, was a result of Pérez's discussions with the NFL [8].
The renovations to Santiago Bernabéu have attracted international music superstars like Taylor Swift and Karol G [9]. Real Madrid's basketball team, active for 94 years, has won 38 Spanish Championship titles, 29 Spanish Cup wins, and 11 EuroLeague championships [10].
The NBA has announced international game locations for the 2026-28 seasons, with the Grizzlies and Magic confirmed to play in Berlin and London [11]. The financial success of Real Madrid has not been explicitly stated in previous bullet points, but it is clear that it plays a crucial role in the club's potential entry into the NBA Europe League.
References:
- Real Madrid meets with NBA commissioner Adam Silver
- Real Madrid eyes NBA Europe League
- Real Madrid and the NBA Europe League
- NBA Europe League: Real Madrid to join?
- NBA Europe League: Real Madrid's potential impact
- Real Madrid tops soccer's earning tree
- Real Madrid explores NFL partnership
- NFL game at Santiago Bernabéu
- Renovated Santiago Bernabéu attracts music stars
- Real Madrid basketball team's achievements
- NBA announces international game locations
- The interest shown by Real Madrid, a renowned international basketball club, in joining the NBA Europe League, as outlined in meetings with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, could potentially alter the landscape of European basketball.
- If Real Madrid joins the NBA Europe League, other prestigious European basketball clubs like FC Barcelona, ASVEL Villeurbanne, and Fenerbahçe Istanbul might also follow suit, creating a strong transcontinental basketball ecosystem.
- For Real Madrid, joining the NBA Europe League could offer access to a more commercially advanced league, leading to enhanced financial backing, global exposure, and a unified competition structure.
- The NBA could gain immediate credibility, attract high-level talent and investors, and establish a strong foothold in Europe by incorporating prestigious European basketball clubs into the league.
- The entry of Real Madrid and other top EuroLeague clubs into the NBA Europe League could, however, disrupt the existing EuroLeague structure, potentially reshaping the competitive dynamics and altering commercial opportunities.
- The new league, set to launch as early as the 2026–27 season, could feature a mix of wealthy investors, EuroLeague defectors, and new franchises, including major markets like Paris and London.
- Real Madrid's financial success, demonstrated by topping soccer's earning tree in 2023-24 with a record $1.13 billion, makes it an attractive partner for the NBA, as it has also explored relationships with other American leagues, such as the NFL.
- The potential benefits for Real Madrid and the NBA are significant, with the latter announced to play international games in locations like Berlin and London in the 2026-28 seasons, providing further evidence of the financial success that plays a crucial role in the club's potential entry into the NBA Europe League.
