Source: REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
[Saba Sports News] According to French media reports, NBA executives have contacted Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), the largest shareholder of Paris Saint-Germain, proposing to grant franchise rights to the French capital club. Such contacts confirm the NBA’s desire to quickly establish a league in Europe. Recently, the Spanish website “Sportico” revealed that the NBA aims to have the league operational as early as the 2026-27 season, with about a dozen teams expected to join. It is said that 11 cities from 7 countries have shown support, including Madrid, Barcelona, Munich, Berlin, London, Manchester, Milan, Rome, Istanbul, Athens, and Paris. The selection of these destinations is not coincidental, as the NBA seeks to build its brand in cities that host popular and financially strong football clubs. Most importantly, they can establish partnerships with world-renowned brands, such as Manchester with Manchester City, Munich with Bayern Munich, Madrid with Real Madrid, and Paris with Paris Saint-Germain. Reports indicate that the NBA has proposed several options for Paris Saint-Germain, either directly taking over an existing Paris team or independently establishing a team separate from Paris Saint-Germain, and QSI has not ruled out any option.