Lakers legend rumored to be involved in 'NBA Europe' project
Pau Gasol Reportedly Frontrunner to Lead NBA’s Historic European Expansion
The NBA’s long-rumored expansion into the Old Continent is rapidly shifting from a boardroom concept to a concrete reality, and a beloved Los Angeles Lakers icon appears poised to take the helm. According to a new report from The Athletic, Hall of Famer Pau Gasol has emerged as a leading candidate to assume a top executive role—potentially even commissioner—of the proposed "NBA Europe" league.
The rumors gained traction earlier this week following a high-profile summit in London, where NBA Commissioner Adam Silver assembled approximately 250 key stakeholders, including investors, representatives from sovereign wealth funds, and executives from European football giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City. While the gathering featured various dignitaries, sources indicate that Gasol’s presence was far from ceremonial. The two-time NBA champion is reportedly being vetted to lead the venture, which aims to launch as a standalone competition by the 2027-28 season.
Gasol’s potential appointment is viewed as a strategic masterstroke by the league office. As a Barcelona native who dominated the EuroLeague before cementing his legacy alongside Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, Gasol possesses a unique ability to bridge the cultural and political gap between North American sports entertainment and the traditional European club system. Currently serving as a global ambassador and the Vice President of Liga ACB in Spain, Gasol has the administrative experience and the universal respect required to navigate the complex landscape of European basketball politics.
"This is a very unique opportunity," Gasol told attendees at the London summit, emphasizing that the project is about "the ecosystem, the grassroots, and the impact on children."
The proposed league, a joint initiative between the NBA and FIBA, represents the Association's most aggressive global play to date. With valuations for entry reportedly reaching up to $1 billion, the NBA needs a face that commands trust on both sides of the Atlantic. If these reports hold true, the Lakers legend isn't just returning to Europe; he is returning to reshape the future of the sport entirely.
The NBA’s long-rumored expansion into the Old Continent is rapidly shifting from a boardroom concept to a concrete reality, and a beloved Los Angeles Lakers icon appears poised to take the helm. According to a new report from The Athletic, Hall of Famer Pau Gasol has emerged as a leading candidate to assume a top executive role—potentially even commissioner—of the proposed "NBA Europe" league.
The rumors gained traction earlier this week following a high-profile summit in London, where NBA Commissioner Adam Silver assembled approximately 250 key stakeholders, including investors, representatives from sovereign wealth funds, and executives from European football giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City. While the gathering featured various dignitaries, sources indicate that Gasol’s presence was far from ceremonial. The two-time NBA champion is reportedly being vetted to lead the venture, which aims to launch as a standalone competition by the 2027-28 season.
Gasol’s potential appointment is viewed as a strategic masterstroke by the league office. As a Barcelona native who dominated the EuroLeague before cementing his legacy alongside Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, Gasol possesses a unique ability to bridge the cultural and political gap between North American sports entertainment and the traditional European club system. Currently serving as a global ambassador and the Vice President of Liga ACB in Spain, Gasol has the administrative experience and the universal respect required to navigate the complex landscape of European basketball politics.
"This is a very unique opportunity," Gasol told attendees at the London summit, emphasizing that the project is about "the ecosystem, the grassroots, and the impact on children."
The proposed league, a joint initiative between the NBA and FIBA, represents the Association's most aggressive global play to date. With valuations for entry reportedly reaching up to $1 billion, the NBA needs a face that commands trust on both sides of the Atlantic. If these reports hold true, the Lakers legend isn't just returning to Europe; he is returning to reshape the future of the sport entirely.
