Potential NBA European League could be perfect for aging stars

NBA owners will convene this week to discuss plans to establish a new European sister league, according to a report from Sportico.

The proposed league is reportedly expected to consist of eight to 10 franchises, including four of the top teams from the EuroLeague. The NBA would then hold bidding for franchises in Euro capitals such as London or Paris, where it expects teams to be sold for over $500M. 

If the plan comes to fruition, a franchise in a market like London or Paris could be an ideal retirement home for aging NBA stars. The likes of Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Paul George, Bradley Beal and Khris Middleton are unlikely to receive another maximum-level contract before riding off into the sunset. But they could maximize their earnings by being the faces of new European franchises in need of star power. 

Historically, only ex-NBA role players head to the European circuit to continue their pro careers, with the exception of rare cases like Kemba Walker. The proposed new league instantly changes that dynamic, given that the NBA and its key stakeholders would back it. 

A new way to prolong careers?

Even perennially-injured stars like Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid could benefit from the league. They'd presumably have lighter workloads and play against weaker competition on a nightly basis, potentially prolonging their careers in the process. 

Of course, this is all purely conjecture. 

If the league consists of four EuroLeague squads, active NBA players could likely be allowed to participate as well, potentially pulling double duty after wrapping up their time in the U.S. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic are already accustomed to such a schedule, representing their countries at FIBA-based events in recent summers. 

The chatter of an NBA-owned European league first gained steam during last year's Paris Olympics when commissioner Adam Silver met with officials from FIBA and EuroLeague to discuss ways for the NBA to optimize the Euro market. The NBA has generated a few hundred million dollars annually from Europe in recent years, but the league believes it is just scratching the surface of the opportunities that await.

The NBA first played an exhibition game in Europe in 1984. Since 1991, it has hosted at least one preseason or regular-season game nearly every year. Most recently, the Pacers visited Paris to play the Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs in back-to-back games earlier this year.