The NBA is actively promoting the plan to set up a new league in Europe. Adam Silver, the president of the American League, confirmed that in-depth consultations have been held with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and related parties on this matter. This huge plan, which has been conceived for many years or even decades, is gradually moving towards the reality stage, with the goal of completing the initial implementation in the next few years.

Silver said at a community event in Oklahoma City on the NBA Finals bye day that the plan is "measured in years, not months," noting that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could be a launching pad for the league's announcement or launch.

Silver said: "This is an extremely complex project and we must move forward at a cautious but firm pace while ensuring that we maintain communication with all stakeholders, including existing European leagues, clubs, players, media companies and commercial partners."

In March of this year, the NBA and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis jointly announced that the two sides have begun to prepare for the establishment of a new league, with an initial goal of setting up 16 teams. Silver revealed that since the announcement of the news, the relevant negotiations have become more positive, and the NBA has also started dialogues with the top European league, EuroLeague, and some clubs.

Although the specific cooperation model is still under discussion, Silver is inclined to promote the new league in a "cooperative rather than competitive" manner to complement the existing Champions League structure.

"Whatever form it takes, we believe there is a huge, underserved basketball fan base in Europe and that a high-level league like the NBA can bring huge opportunities."

Although no formal negotiations have been held with specific cities, Silver confirmed that several organizations have expressed their willingness to participate. London, Manchester, Rome and Munich are considered to be among the potential participating cities, and more European metropolises are expected to join the competition.

“We have not been in direct negotiations but have been approached by a number of organisations offering to act as potential team operators in these markets.”