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 proposal to launch a pan‑European league. Speaking at the conclusion of the Cavs’ training camp in Málaga, Atkinson explained that the American basketball system does not nurture young talent in the same way that European clubs do, and he believes a joint NBA‑FIBA venture could bridge that gap.
Atkinson’s enthusiasm for the project was evident when he said, “I love the NBA. I love that we are in talks with FIBA to create this NBA Europe.
It’s going to bring more opportunity for players across the globe.” His comments came after a decade‑long playing career in Europe, followed by a coaching apprenticeship that began in the French leagues. This background gives him a unique perspective on the differences between the two developmental models.
When asked what attributes European players possess that the U.S. system often lacks, Atkinson pointed to the structural nature of the European club system. Unlike the American pathway, which relies heavily on high school, college and the G‑League, European prospects typically train within a club environment that integrates youth squads with senior teams.
He illustrated this by describing the French INSEP program, where a junior team competes in the third division of French basketball (Nationale 1) against seasoned adults. “They might be playing for the under‑16 team or under‑17, but they also train with the older guys.
Or like in France, the INSEP team, the young team, they play in the third division of France, so they’re getting to compete against older players. I think that mentoring system is really important,” Atkinson told Sky Sports. The coach highlighted a key contrast: in the United States, young athletes generally face opponents of the same age group, whereas in Europe they are regularly matched against physically and mentally mature players. “You learn a lot from veteran players,” he added.
“But they both have their benefits. It’s hard to say this one’s better than this one. Definitely two completely different ways of developing players.” His observations are backed by concrete data. The INSEP side, entered by the French federation as Pole France, fields players aged 15‑18 in a league where promotion and relegation are prohibited, ensuring consistent exposure to high‑level competition.
This model fosters resilience and accelerates skill acquisition, something Atkinson believes could enrich the NBA talent pool if more players experienced it. Atkinson’s own résumé underscores his credibility. He played for clubs such as Montpellier, Mulhouse, Nantes and Évreux in France, and also spent time in Spain and Germany. He transitioned to coaching in 2004 as an assistant with Paris Basket Racing and later served on Vincent Collet’s staff when France captured the Olympic silver medal in Paris.
This blend of playing and coaching experience across continents equips him to evaluate the merits of a transatlantic league. When probed about the potential impact of an NBA Europe league on the convergence of the two development pathways, Atkinson responded enthusiastically: “I love that.
I think it’s going to be better for global basketball, because that cross‑pollination, you’re going to see the best of both worlds.” He noted that the coaching community already feels the influence of European tactics in the NBA and vice‑versa, and he anticipates a similar exchange among players. A concrete example of the European model on the Cavs’ roster is forward Khalifa Diop. Diop began his professional journey in Spain’s fourth tier at age 15, broke into the top‑flight ACB by 19, and was selected 39th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Cavaliers allowed him to remain in Spain for four additional seasons before bringing him over, illustrating a hybrid approach that blends European seasoning with NBA opportunity.
The broader context of the NBA‑FIBA collaboration dates back to March 2025, when the two organizations began exploring a 16‑team league slated to launch in the autumn of 2027. The proposed structure includes 12 permanent franchises and four spots reserved for annual qualifiers, with target markets such as London and Manchester. The inaugural regular‑season game is set for Co‑op Live in Manchester, where the New Orleans Pelicans will face the San Antonio Spurs on January 17.
Players have already expressed optimism. Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill, who was the final pick (60th) in the 2020 draft and spent two years in the G‑League before joining Cleveland, said a European league would have provided a viable alternative when he contemplated an overseas career after Utah State. “I had a point in my career where I felt like I was going to end up coming overseas,” Merrill recalled.
“If that had been the case, something like NBA Europe would have been a great option.” Merrill also raised financial considerations, noting the recent shift in U.S. college athletics where universities now compensate athletes directly.
With the NCAA’s 2026‑27 spending cap set at $21.58 million per school and top programs allocating $7‑10 million per season to basketball, the economics of a European league could challenge or complement the collegiate model. The exact salary structure for NBA Europe remains undisclosed, though reports suggest franchise bids ranging from $500 million to $1 billion. Beyond individual opinions, the future of European basketball hangs in the balance.
EuroLeague shareholders are scheduled to convene at Villa d’Este on Lake Como to discuss the league’s direction alongside the NBA’s overtures. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the meeting will weigh two scenarios: an NBA acquisition that folds the EuroLeague into the new competition, or an expansion plan championed by EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno that would grow the league to 24 teams with 21 permanent franchises starting in the 2027‑28 season. Bueno told The Athletic that the NBA has not yet presented a formal partnership proposal, but Eurohoops later reported that an offer was on the table, though both parties declined to comment. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has reiterated that the league will move forward regardless of the EuroLeague’s stance, emphasizing a desire to consolidate European basketball under a unified framework.
In summary, Kenny Atkinson’s endorsement of NBA Europe stems from his deep-rooted experience in both systems and his belief that a hybrid model could elevate global talent development. By combining the mentorship‑rich club environment of Europe with the athleticism and market reach of the NBA, the proposed league promises to create a new pathway for aspiring players, coaches, and fans worldwide.
The coming months will reveal how the various stakeholders—NBA executives, FIBA officials, EuroLeague owners, and players—navigate this transformative moment in basketball history.