Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, the reigning NBA Coach of the Year, recently voiced his enthusiasm for the NBA’s proposed European league and underscored the distinct advantages of the European club‑based development model. Speaking at the conclusion of his team’s training camp in Málaga, Atkinson reflected on his own extensive experience playing and coaching in Europe, noting that the continent’s approach to nurturing talent differs fundamentally from the American college and high‑school pathways. “I love the NBA. I love that we’re in talks with FIBA to create NBA Europe,” Atkinson told Sky Sports.
“It will open up more opportunities for players around the world.” He explained that the European system operates as a club structure, where young athletes often train and compete alongside seasoned professionals. In contrast, the United States relies heavily on the university and scholastic systems, which keep players largely within age‑matched cohorts.
The coach illustrated the European model with a concrete example from France. Young prospects, sometimes as early as 15 or 16, can play for the national federation’s INSEP team, which competes in the country’s third‑tier league, Nationale 1. This exposure pits them against older, more physically mature opponents, fostering a mentorship dynamic that accelerates growth.
“They might be playing for an under‑16 or under‑17 side, but they also train with the older guys,” Atkinson said. “That mentoring system is really important.” He was clear about the contrast: “In the American system we’re much more playing against our peers at the same age, and our young players don’t compete against more mature players as much. You learn a lot from veteran players.” Atkinson acknowledged that both pathways have merit, noting that it is difficult to declare one universally superior. Instead, he sees value in a hybrid approach that blends the best elements of each.
Atkinson’s perspective is informed by a career that spans both continents. He spent a decade as a player in France—turning out for clubs such as Montpellier, Mulhouse, Nantes, and Évreux—and also had stints in Spain and Germany.
He began coaching in Europe as an assistant with Paris Basket Racing in 2004 and later served on Vincent Collet’s staff when France captured the Olympic silver medal in Paris. This background gives him a nuanced understanding of how European clubs cultivate talent.
When asked whether a pan‑European league could bridge the gap between the two development philosophies, Atkinson responded enthusiastically: “I love that. I think it will be better for global basketball because that cross‑pollination will let us see the best of both worlds.” He pointed out that the influence already flows in both directions. European coaching concepts have seeped into the NBA, while NBA tactics and training methods have begun to shape European programs. Extending that exchange to players could further enrich the sport.
A tangible illustration of the European model on the Cavs’ roster is forward Khalifa Diop. Diop began his professional journey in Spain’s fourth division at age 15, progressed to the top‑flight ACB by 19, and was selected 39th overall by Cleveland in the 2022 draft. The franchise allowed him to continue developing in Spain for four more seasons before signing him in 2024, a pathway that mirrors the club‑centric approach Atkinson champions.
The NBA and FIBA have been quietly exploring a new pan‑European competition since March 2025. The tentative blueprint envisions a 16‑team league—12 permanent franchises plus four annual qualifiers—debuting in the autumn of 2027, with potential host cities that include London and Manchester.
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. Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill, a 2020 second‑round pick who spent two years in the G League before joining Cleveland, said a European league would have offered a viable alternative early in his career.
“I had a point where I thought I might end up overseas,” Merrill recalled. “If that had happened, NBA Europe would have been a great option.” He also raised financial considerations, noting the rising salaries in college basketball following the NCAA’s decision in July 2025 to allow schools to pay athletes directly. With schools now allocating up to $21.58 million per year for basketball, the economics of staying in the U.S. versus heading to a European‑styled league become a pivotal factor.
The financial calculus remains uncertain. Reports suggest that franchise bids for NBA Europe could range from $500 million to $1 billion, yet neither the NBA nor FIBA has disclosed how player compensation would be structured.
Merrill, who admires the physicality and intensity of European leagues, believes that the competitive environment—often described as “college‑like” with two games per week and rigorous practice schedules—adds significant developmental value. Meanwhile, the future of the existing EuroLeague hangs in the balance. EuroLeague shareholders are convening at Villa d’Este on Lake Como to discuss the league’s direction amid NBA overtures. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the assembly will weigh an NBA acquisition proposal against an internal expansion plan championed by EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno, which aims to grow the competition to 24 teams with 21 permanent members by the 2027‑28 season.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has signaled that the league will move forward regardless of the EuroLeague’s decision, emphasizing a desire to consolidate European basketball under a unified framework. “We began on this path saying that our plan was to go forward regardless of where the EuroLeague stood,” Silver said in July.
“But it was always our hope that we would be able to create some sort of consolidation of European basketball. I remain optimistic that we are going to be able to accomplish that.” In summary, Coach Kenny Atkinson’s endorsement of NBA Europe reflects a broader belief that merging the club‑centric European model with the American system could produce a richer, more versatile talent pipeline.
By fostering mentorship, exposing young players to seasoned competition, and encouraging cross‑continental coaching exchanges, the proposed league promises to enhance the global game. As discussions progress and stakeholders weigh financial and structural implications, the basketball world watches closely, anticipating a new era of international collaboration and competition.