Former Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has entered a high‑profile contest to acquire the NBA Europe franchise that will be based in London. He is not pursuing the deal alone; his bid is pitted against a consortium that includes the current Spurs owners, the Lewis family, as well as other seasoned investors from the world of American sports. According to a report from Sky News, the Lewis family is part of a broader partnership led by the Checketts family.
The Checketts have a long‑standing pedigree in professional sport, having owned or held significant stakes in clubs such as Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer and the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League. Their experience in managing franchises across different leagues gives them a solid foundation for entering the NBA Europe venture. Adding further depth to the consortium is the Eccles family, whose portfolio already includes shares in Burnley Football Club and the Spanish side RCD Espanyol.
The Eccles’ involvement links the consortium to both English and continental European football, underscoring the cross‑border nature of the investment group. Together, the Checketts, Lewis, and Eccles families form a formidable bloc that is actively pursuing the London licence. Levy, on the other hand, is reportedly aligning himself with a separate partnership that brings together Liberty Global, a major telecommunications conglomerate, and MSP Sports Capital, a firm that previously backed McLaren Racing.
This alliance reflects Levy’s strategy of pairing his extensive football administration experience with partners who have deep pockets and a track record in high‑performance sport. The competition for the London franchise is part of a larger auction process that the NBA has launched across Europe. Twelve new teams are slated to join the league’s expanding footprint, with cities such as Berlin, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris and Rome already confirmed as hosts.
Among these, London has quickly emerged as the most coveted location, thanks to its global profile, large market size, and the presence of a sophisticated fan base that is already accustomed to major sporting events. The NBA’s ambition with this European expansion is to generate billions of dollars by selling franchise rights, media deals, sponsorships, and ancillary revenue streams. The league expects the first of these financial transactions to be sealed in the coming weeks, meaning that the parties involved are moving at a rapid pace to finalize their proposals, secure financing, and demonstrate operational readiness. Levy’s involvement in the bid is notable for several reasons.
He stepped down as executive chairman of Tottenham Hotspur in September 2025 after nearly a quarter‑century at the helm of the club. While the official narrative framed his departure as a voluntary resignation, many observers interpreted the move as being driven by external pressures and a desire for fresh leadership.
This context adds a layer of intrigue to his current pursuit of a basketball franchise, suggesting that he may be seeking a new challenge in the sports business arena. The consortium led by the Checketts, Lewis and Eccles families, meanwhile, brings together a blend of American sports franchise experience and European football ownership.
Their combined expertise could prove advantageous when navigating the complexities of launching an NBA team in a market that, while enthusiastic, presents unique regulatory, logistical, and cultural considerations. Beyond the immediate battle for the London licence, the situation reflects a broader trend: affluent American families and investment groups are increasingly looking to acquire stakes in UK sports entities, particularly football clubs. This influx of capital is reshaping the ownership landscape, introducing new governance models, and often bringing a more commercial, data‑driven approach to club management.
If either bid succeeds, the new NBA Europe team will become a flagship project for the league’s transatlantic ambitions. Fans can anticipate a season schedule that mirrors the NBA’s traditional calendar, with regular‑season games, playoffs, and the potential for all‑star events staged in iconic London venues. The presence of a top‑tier basketball franchise is also expected to stimulate grassroots participation, inspire local talent development programs, and create a cascade of economic benefits for the city. While the final decision remains pending, the competition between Levy’s consortium and the Checketts‑Lewis‑Eccles partnership underscores the high stakes and intense interest surrounding the NBA’s European expansion.
Both sides are leveraging deep pockets, seasoned sports management experience, and strategic partnerships to make the strongest case for why they should be entrusted with the capital‑intensive, high‑visibility London franchise. As the auction draws to a close, stakeholders—including the NBA’s European operations team, local government officials, and potential sponsors—will scrutinize each proposal for financial robustness, operational competence, and the ability to cultivate a sustainable fan base.
The winner will not only secure a coveted piece of a burgeoning market but also help shape the future of professional basketball on the continent. In the meantime, fans across the UK can stay tuned to Sky Sports for live coverage of NBA games, including regular‑season matchups and playoff action. Sky Sports offers a contract‑free streaming option via its NOW platform, ensuring that viewers can follow the excitement without being tied to a long‑term subscription. As the league’s European footprint expands, the partnership between broadcasters, teams, and investors will be crucial in delivering a compelling product to a new generation of basketball enthusiasts.