Booker Eyes Europe Move
Devin Booker is among NBA stars reportedly exploring franchise ownership as the league studies a European launch for 2027 — a sign that the NBA’s push into Europe could involve star owners, not just investors report.
In a Spain interview Booker told Mundo Deportivo that building or running a team in places like Barcelona and Marbella would be “a dream,” according to reporting that summarized his comments. eurohoops.net League planners are targeting an October 2027 kickoff for the venture, and officials have discussed a 16-team model made up of 12 permanent franchises plus four qualifying spots. espn.com Commissioner Adam Silver and other executives have flagged expansion fees in the roughly $500 million–$1 billion range for initial franchises. sports.yahoo.com Several current stars are already linked to ownership bids: Luka Dončić was reported to have joined an investment group pursuing a Rome franchise, while coverage links Kevin Durant and former player-owner Tony Parker to Europe-related projects. basketball.realgm.com Reports indicate the NBA plans ownership guardrails — proposals discussed would likely limit cross-holdings so NBA-Europe owners (including players) couldn’t hold large stakes in existing North American franchises, with a frequently cited 5% cap in discussions. basketball.realgm.com The NBA and FIBA have begun formal outreach to investor groups and held conferences in Europe attended by major bidders, including representatives tied to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and private firms such as RedBird. cnbc.com
