Euroleague (M): ASVEL commits again without neglecting the NBA Europe

Mathieu Warnier, Media365: published on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 10:20 PM

Tony Parker is keeping a close eye on the progress of the NBA Europe project, while ASVEL announced on Wednesday its extension with the Euroleague, as well as the arrival of new investors.

Tony Parker has made his decision. For several months, the possibility of ASVEL leaving the Euroleague was on the table due to the insistence of its president on the European league project desired by the NBA and FIBA. In this regard, the club’s involvement in the Basketball Champions League next season had been mentioned in October as a prerequisite for joining NBA Europe upon its launch in 2027. However, in a statement released on Wednesday, the Villeurbanne club clarified its future on a European scale and definitively ruled out the possibility of joining the continental competition launched by FIBA a decade ago.

Investors are coming to ASVEL

Indeed, ASVEL announced “the continuation of its commitment in the Euroleague” for a period of ten years as a permanent member of the competition. Furthermore, ASVEL announced “the arrival of new strategic shareholders” to affirm “its desire to establish itself permanently among the major clubs of European basketball.” Consequently, the Rhone club welcomes “new prominent investors” to “strengthen its structure and support its ambitions.” This capital contribution comes as the club was penalized this season by the Euroleague due to insufficient payroll. Among these partners is the Swiss group HelvetX with French driver Pierre Gasly involved.

NBA Europe remains in sight

However, while ASVEL has decided to continue the adventure with the Euroleague, the prospect of the NBA arriving in Europe remains on Tony Parker’s radar. “These two actions reflect a confirmed ambition, that of building a bridge between Europe and the NBA with a clear vision: to become a key player in bringing EuroLeague and the NBA closer together towards the emergence of a future NBA Europe,” the club stated in its release. Above all, ASVEL aims to “provide the necessary means to accelerate its sports, economic, and international development.” The goal is to “strengthen its model, extend its influence beyond French territories, and play a key role in the future developments of European basketball.”