NBA’s 16-team European League coming 2027

NBA’s 16-team European League coming 2027

November 12, 2025

NBA's Europe-based league may launch in October 2027
The NBA is targeting Oct. 2027 as a potential launch date for the new Europe-based league. The first season might not have all the slots in the planned 16-team league allocated at that time. The 16-team model calls for 12 permanent franchises. The other four teams could qualify by winning either FIBA’s Basketball Championship League or though their perofmacne in domestic leagues in Europe.
^ESPN

MLB Caps Pitch-Level Prop Bets at $200 After Guardians Indictments
The MLB announced a nationwide plan with the top sports book to restrict proposition bets. All of the MLB’s authorized gaming operators will cap wagers on pitch-level markets at $200 and exclude those bets from parlays. The new rule arrives a little more than 24 hours after the U.S. Department of Justice indicted Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz on wire fraud conspiracy charges.
^{Front Office Sports}

NCAA Agrees to $303 Million Settlement With Volunteer Coaches
The NCAA has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit from roughly 7,700 volunteer coaches. The coaches had alleged that the NCAA illegally fixed their wages and prevented them from getting paid. The settlement says a coach would receive an average of $39,200, which would also factor in expenses, fees, the school, and number of years worked when compensating its class action members. 
^{Front Office Sports}

Sony and ATP Media Enter Multi-year Strategic Partnership, Showcasing Innovative Media at the 2025 Nitto ATP Finals
Sony and ATP Media announced a new multi-year strategic partnership to bring innovative products to global tennis. There will be a new Tennis TV mobile app that will launch early 2026. The partnership kicks off this week at the 2025 Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. ATP Tour coverage will feature Hawk-Eye Innovations’ HawkAR product for the first time ever.
^Sony

Behind Unilever’s creator and social strategy for next year’s World Cup
Unilever is one of the planet’s largest advertisers with a total marketing budget of $10.1 billion in 2024. They are determined to capitalize on the billions watching next year’s FIFA World Cup. The company’s execs are currently planning how best to do that via paid media and sponsorships spanning four of its flagship personal care brands (Rexona, Dove, Axe and Lifebuoy) while simultaneously executing a major course change within its own marketing organization.
^Digiday

Rose Bowl, Pasadena attempt to block UCLA’s SoFi Stadium move
The City of Pasadena and Rose Bowl Operating Co. are attempting to stop UCLA from moving its football games to SoFi Stadium. UCLA’s lease at Rose Bowl Stadium runs until June 30, 2044. The city and operating company are seeking a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order against UCLA.
^{The Stadium Business}

MLS No. 2 Gary Stevenson To Retire After Critical 2026 World Cup 
MLS deputy commissioner Gary Stevenson is retiring after next year’s Wold Cup. He has been at MLS since 2013. Stevenson will continue to oversee the business strategy and World Cup-related initiatives through next summer. When he joined MLS, the average team was worth $103 million. Now, the average is up to $721 million.
^Sportico

USA Gymnastics announces Kyle Albrecht as new president and CE
Kyle Albrecht will be USA Gymnastics’ new president and chief operating officer. He will start the position on Jan. 1, 2026, replacing Li Le Leung, who is stepping down after six years at the helm. Albrecht was recently the vice president of MLS GO.
^Olympics

Looking to fill an open position with top talent in the sports media industry? Advertise in the Sport & Story Daily to reach over 25,000 senior-level executives and professionals—and connect your job opportunity with the right audience.

Brian Kelly sues LSU over $54M buyout after school allegedly changes termination story: report
Former LSU football coach Brian Kelly filed a lawsuit against LSU. The lawsuit claims the school is attempting to avoid its $54 million buyout for the coach after allegedly telling Kelly’s representatives it has not officially terminated him. The university is aiming to fire him “for cause” to avoid paying him the buyout.
^{Fox Sports}

Thanks for reading!

Sport & Story Daily is the sports industry’s daily resource for business news. In addition to serving up exclusive trends, Q&As, and columns, the newsletter connects readers to top platforms and stories from across the sports landscape.

Place your brand in front of the Sport & Story Daily audience and connect with the most influential people in sports.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here!

Feel free to read our Privacy Policy