Karl-Anthony Towns said during All-Star Weekend that he would consider playing in the NBA’s planned European league, which is targeting a 2027 launch with 16 teams across major cities including London, Paris, and Rome.
Towns addressed the prospect directly, saying, “I would (consider playing in NBA Europe). I would. I really, I love international basketball, love playing FIBA basketball as well. Obviously, not better than playing in the NBA. But it would be pretty cool to even see that get off the ground and actually operate. But, one day to be part of that would be pretty cool.”
The league is being developed by NBA commissioner Adam Silver in partnership with FIBA. The planned structure involves a 16-team competition hosted in European cities, with billion-dollar entry fees and media rights deals intended to fund player salaries at levels significantly higher than existing European basketball leagues.
Financial structure and salary implications
The current financial gap between the NBA and European basketball is substantial. Real Madrid, one of the highest-spending clubs in European basketball, pays its entire roster less than the salary of a single top-tier NBA player. The NBA Europe model aims to narrow that gap through entry fees and broadcast revenue, potentially making the league a viable destination for current and former NBA players.
Kevin Durant indicated interest in an off-court role, stating, “Once (NBA Europe) starts to form, hopefully I can be a part of it, pushing the game all around the world.” Younger players including Reed Sheppard and Jaylen Wells have also commented positively on the concept of international league expansion.
Implications for the NBA and player movement
NBA Europe would create a secondary competitive platform operating under the NBA’s organizational umbrella. The league could serve multiple functions: providing playing time for players outside NBA rotations, offering veteran players an alternative late-career destination, and expanding the league’s commercial footprint into European media and sponsorship markets.
For players like Towns, the appeal combines competitive basketball with the opportunity to play in European markets that currently lack a top-tier American-style professional league.
Timeline and current status
The NBA Europe league is scheduled to begin play in 2027. Specific details on team locations, ownership groups, salary structures, and roster rules have not been finalized. The comments from Towns, Durant, and other players during All-Star Weekend represent the most public interest expressed by active NBA players since the expansion concept was announced.