The NBA’s dropping a European bombshell. The league is teaming up with FIBA to launch a whole new continental league by 2026. Picture this: 16 elite teams battling it out, with 12 permanent franchises plus 4 wildcards based on merit. It’s a plan to step into Europe’s basketball economy. But the EuroLeague’s already side-eyeing the move. However, clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have shown interest. Moreover, Tony Parker, a four-time NBA champion and the owner of the French club ASVEL, seems to be all in.

He is endorsing the plan, based on its ability to elevate European basketball to a global standard. Tony Parker even showed up to Abu Dhabi enthusiastically. As Europe’s greatest basketball teams competed in a historic Final Four. It was hosted outside the continent for the first time in 21 years. He posted a casual Instagram story from courtside, tagged up with McCollum and Bogdanović: “Good times in Abu Dhabi.” Then the full post in front of a EuroLeague Final Four display that read: “Abu Dhabi was a lot of fun. I will be back!!”

It seems like he landed at FIBA headquarters right after the EuroLeague Finals wrapped up. Who knows what’s cooking—maybe the negotiations are finally heading in the right direction. Tony Parker’s visit to FIBA is especially significant, as he has repeatedly voiced his support for this project. He’s also confirmed ongoing talks with both the NBA commissioner and deputy commissioner. “It is clear. We either reach an agreement or the NBA comes alone. We need to focus on a merger or a partnership.”

Tony Parker’s Instagram stories may have looked like a casual visit, but we know there’s often more going on behind those seemingly relaxed tour videos. His first story showed him outside FIBA’s headquarters in Switzerland, with the sleek Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in the background. You could even spot a digital countdown clock for the FIBA World Cup and the organization’s slogan, “We Are Basketball.”

The tour continued with him checking out the classics. He posted videos of basketball’s most iconic memorabilia—Naismith’s legacy, the ’92 Dream Team, modern women’s trophies, and more. One story featured a classic USA jersey display with his iconic No. 9, a stunning Olympic torch collection spanning decades, and a statue of basketball inventor James Naismith. While the visit appeared lighthearted, the intentions behind it seem far more ambitious.

Still, these ambitions face serious obstacles—cultural divides, financial challenges, and deep-rooted structural differences. European basketball emphasizes winning over entertainment. There are no conference systems, taxes are high, and governance is split between EuroLeague and FIBA. Fans care more about results than halftime shows. And while the NBA enjoys massive global appeal, transplanting its high-cost, entertainment-driven model into Europe’s localized economies and traditional basketball culture would be a steep and costly endeavor.

Tony Parker’s presence, Jasikevicius’ rise signal a global shift

While Tony Parker is making the headlines, Sarunas Jasikevicius has finally conquered the EuroLeague summit as a coach after four failed attempts. Leading Fenerbahçe to an 81-70 victory over Monaco in Abu Dhabi. The Lithuanian maestro had previously won four EuroLeague titles as a player. He even dismissed any distinction between coaching and playing glory. “There is no difference… It’s the greatest feeling in the world to be a champion.”

His triumph was amplified by Nigel Hayes-Davis’ clutch 16.8-point average and Final Four MVP performance, with the American forward declaring, “It’s 90% effort.” This victory didn’t just mark personal redemption for Jasikevicius; it highlighted EuroLeague’s growing global footprint as the coach boldly asserted he’d take the title “on the moon.” Meanwhile, Tony Parker’s visible investment in EuroLeague’s expansion speaks volumes. The NBA legend turned ASVEL owner has become an unofficial ambassador.

He even drew fellow stars like Bogdan Bogdanović and CJ McCollum to Abu Dhabi’s showcase event. Where the NBA is cautiously testing European waters through preseason games. However, EuroLeague is aggressively claiming territory. And Parker is transitioning from an on court icon to a cultural bridge. Because, European basketball isn’t waiting for NBA validation anymore. With hardened coaches, hungry players, and global ambitions, the EuroLeague is carving its own spotlight.