Kenny Atkinson, the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the reigning NBA Coach of the Year, has publicly voiced his support for the NBA’s proposed European league, arguing that the continental club system nurtures young talent more effectively than the traditional American pathway. Speaking at the conclusion of the Cavaliers’ training camp in Málaga last week, Atkinson drew on his own extensive experience in Europe—both as a player and as a coach—to explain why he believes a transatlantic competition could benefit the sport worldwide.
"I love the NBA," Atkinson told reporters. "I’m thrilled that we’re in talks with FIBA about creating NBA Europe. It will open up new doors for players everywhere." His enthusiasm was palpable, reflecting a deep appreciation for the growing synergy between the two basketball cultures.
When pressed about what European prospects bring to the table that American players often lack, Atkinson highlighted the structural differences between the two development models. "In Europe we have a club system, whereas in the United States we rely on the university and high‑school pipelines," he explained to Sky Sports.
"That means European youngsters often train alongside older, more seasoned athletes from a very early age." He cited the French INSEP program as a prime example. The national training center fields a team—sometimes referred to as Pole France—that competes in Nationale 1, the third tier of French men’s basketball. Although the squad is composed of 15‑ to 18‑year‑olds, it regularly faces adult professionals, giving the youngsters a taste of physical, tactical, and mental challenges that accelerate their growth.
"That mentorship environment is crucial," Atkinson said. "Playing against mature bodies and minds forces you to adapt quickly and learn from veterans on the court." By contrast, Atkinson noted that the American system typically pits players against peers of the same age group.
"Our high‑school and college athletes mostly compete with teammates who are at a similar developmental stage," he observed. "While that can be comfortable, it doesn’t expose them to the same level of physicality and experience that you get in a club setting where you’re often the youngest on the roster." He was careful to acknowledge the strengths of both approaches. "Both have their merits," Atkinson said. "It’s not a matter of one being superior; they’re simply different philosophies for shaping talent." Atkinson’s perspective is informed by a career that spans several European leagues.
He spent his playing days in France—turning out for clubs such as Montpellier, Mulhouse, Nantes, and Évreux—as well as stints in Spain and Germany. He transitioned to coaching in 2004 as an assistant with Paris Basket Racing and later joined Vincent Collet’s staff when France captured the Olympic silver medal in Paris. This background gives him a nuanced understanding of how club‑centric development works on the ground.
When asked whether a pan‑European league could bridge the gap between the two systems, Atkinson responded enthusiastically. "I think it will be fantastic for global basketball," he said.
"Cross‑pollination will let us blend the best of both worlds. We already see European coaching ideas influencing the NBA and vice‑versa; extending that exchange to the players themselves could be transformative." He pointed to a concrete example on his own roster: Khalifa Diop. Diop began his career in Spain’s fourth division at age 15, broke into the ACB (Spain’s top league) by 19, and was selected 39th overall by Cleveland in the 2022 draft.
The Cavaliers allowed him to remain in Spain for four more seasons before signing him in 2024, a decision that reflects the value placed on European‑style seasoning. The NBA and FIBA have been exploring a joint venture for a new European competition since March 2025. The blueprint envisions a 16‑team league—12 permanent franchises plus four spots earned through annual qualifiers—debuting in the autumn of 2027.
Potential host cities include London, Manchester, and other major markets across the continent. The inaugural regular‑season NBA game in Manchester is slated for January 17, when the New Orleans Pelicans face the San Antonio Spurs at Co‑op Live. Players have already expressed optimism about the concept.
Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill, who was the final pick (60th overall) in the 2020 draft, recalled a period when he contemplated an overseas career. "There was a point where I thought I might end up playing abroad," Merrill said. "If NBA Europe existed back then, it would have been an excellent alternative." Merrill also raised a financial question that is central to the debate. With the recent NCAA policy shift allowing universities to pay athletes directly—capped at $21.58 million per school for the 2026‑27 season, with basketball programs typically allocating $4‑5 million—college players are now earning substantial sums.
"You see these guys making a lot of money in college now, and I’m curious how that will intersect with NBA Europe," he noted. The economics of a new league remain largely speculative.
Reports suggest that franchise bids could range from $500 million to $1 billion, yet neither the NBA nor FIBA has disclosed how player salaries would be structured. Some analysts, such as Sportico, point out that the lack of transparent financial modeling makes it difficult to predict whether NBA Europe will lure talent away from established pathways like the EuroLeague or the NCAA. Merrill, who has followed European basketball closely, praised the style of play. "The physicality over there is intense, almost like college basketball in the U.S., with two games a week and heavy practice loads," he said.
"Every game feels like a playoff—there’s a real sense of urgency." Meanwhile, the future of the EuroLeague itself is under discussion. EuroLeague owners are convening at Villa d'Este on Lake Como to deliberate on two possible scenarios: an NBA‑led acquisition that would fold the EuroLeague into the new competition, or an independent expansion plan championed by CEO Chus Bueno, which envisions a 24‑team league with 21 permanent franchises beginning in the 2027‑28 season.
Bueno told The Athletic in September that the NBA had not yet presented a formal proposal. "As of today, we have not received anything from the NBA about what a potential partnership or collaboration could look like," he said. Nevertheless, Eurohoops reported that an offer was on the table, though both parties declined to comment publicly.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has reiterated that the league will move forward regardless of the EuroLeague’s stance. "We began this journey with the intention of proceeding, no matter where the EuroLeague stands," he said in July. "Our hope has always been to create some form of consolidation for European basketball, and I remain confident we can achieve that." In summary, Coach Kenny Atkinson’s endorsement of NBA Europe underscores a broader belief that blending the club‑centric European model with the American collegiate system could produce a richer, more versatile talent pipeline. By fostering mentorship, exposing young players to seasoned competition, and encouraging cross‑continental collaboration, the proposed league aims to elevate the global game.
Whether the financial and logistical challenges can be resolved remains to be seen, but the enthusiasm from coaches, players, and executives suggests that the concept has substantial momentum moving forward.