Sports

NBA Basketball League in Europe Draws Private Credit Lenders

During the Paris NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs at The Accor Arena in Paris in 2025. Sixth Street owns a stake in San Antonio Spurs.Photographer: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

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By Silas Brown and David Hellier

April 16, 2026 at 10:23 AM UTC

Private capital heavyweights including Apollo Global Management, Ares Management Corp. and Sixth Street Partners are in early discussions to help fund the National Basketball Association’s expansion into Europe, people with knowledge of the matter said.

The NBA is exploring plans to establish a European league that could include newly created franchises and existing outfits, as well as football clubs that do not currently operate a basketball team.