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NBA players believe they should receive a share of the revenue generated by NBA Europe, with NBPA executive director David Kelly raising the issue as the league moves toward a planned 2027 launch.

Speaking to Front Office Sports, Kelly said NBA Europe is being built in part on the value and global profile created by current and former NBA players, despite those players not participating in the new competition or its economics.

“It’s clearly being built on the backs of current NBA players, and prior NBA players, on the whole cachet that they brought to this league,” Kelly said. “And then to start a rival league that they do not participate in, participate in the economics of, we have a very serious problem with that.”

The current collective bargaining agreement gives NBA players approximately 51% of basketball-related income, but Kelly said the union is not seeking the same percentage from NBA Europe. Instead, he argued that the new league’s revenue should still generate a “good faith” payment to NBA players.

The dispute adds another financial question to the NBA’s plans for Europe. NBA Europe is targeting an October 2027 launch with 16 teams, including 12 permanent franchises and four annual merit-based qualifiers, while the NBA continues talks with FIBA and the EuroLeague over a potential partnership.

Those talks have produced several meetings but no merger or formal agreement. Governance, franchise fees, revenue sharing and player movement remain among the unresolved issues, leaving both the NBA and EuroLeague prepared to move forward independently.

The EuroLeague has meanwhile announced plans to expand to 24 teams for the 2027-28 season, the same campaign targeted for the launch of NBA Europe. The expansion would include 21 permanent franchises and two EuroCup qualification spots, with the league also considering a further increase to 30 teams by 2029.

More than 20 bids have reportedly been submitted for NBA Europe franchises, with proposed valuations ranging from $500 million to more than $1 billion. The NBA’s Board of Governors is expected to make decisions on the successful bids before the end of 2026.