EuroLeague all-time leading scorer Mike James believes the NBA has the ability to elevate European basketball, but only if it works alongside the EuroLeague instead of establishing a competing league.
Speaking to The Athletic while representing USA Basketball during the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, James addressed the NBA’s long-term plans for Europe and said he would prefer to see collaboration rather than direct competition.
“I would love for them to not make an individual league, but to somehow partner with the league that’s already there. Because I feel like they have some good things about it.”
The NBA and FIBA continue to target October 2027 for the launch of NBA Europe, while discussions with EuroLeague officials regarding a possible partnership remain ongoing.
James believes the NBA’s expertise could greatly improve the commercial side of the competition without replacing what already exists.
“I think, for sure, that the NBA would make a better business model and make a lot of things better if they came over and joined with the EuroLeague.
“I think the EuroLeague has a very good product now, but obviously it needs improvements like everything.”
Mike James on NBA Europe: “I would love for them to partner with the EuroLeague”https://t.co/E4M4CcjJzX
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) July 9, 2026
