Sources: Euroleague members reject NBA offer to merge into NBA Europe

EuroLeague members have rejected a formal merger offer from the NBA to establish a unified NBA Europe operation, sources confirmed to ESPN. The decision was reached during a meeting among clubs on Lake Como in Italy following over two years of development by the NBA. The EuroLeague clubs are reportedly considering their own expansion plans in response to the NBA's venture.

Despite the rejection, the NBA plans to proceed with launching a 16-team league that could begin by the 2027-28 season. Sources indicated that a significant number of the 13 permanent EuroLeague teams have expressed interest in joining the proposed league, which would feature weekday games and expanded rosters to accommodate domestic league play.