NBA Eyes Expansion into Europe The NBA is planning a bold leap into Europe with a proposed new league featuring 14 to 16 teams in major cities like London, Paris, and Rome. Developed in partnership with FIBA and backed by financial heavyweights like JPMorgan and the Raine Group, this expansion could be operational in the next 2–3 years, though it may face resistance from the EuroLeague and cultural adjustments. The Wall Street Journal
European League Emerges as NBA Rival In parallel, the NBA is fast-tracking plans to launch a league featuring iconic clubs such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, threatening EuroLeague’s dominance and reshaping the international hoops landscape. Financial Times
Off-Court Innovation & Voices
LeBron’s Vision for a Global Touring League LeBron James, alongside Maverick Carter, is exploring the creation of a high-stakes, touring-style global basketball league—modeled after F1 and LIV Golf—drawing both men’s and women’s teams into a high-revenue, equity-sharing format. Stars like Caitlin Clark could be central to its appeal. Talksport
Women’s Basketball: Action & Advocacy
Unrivaled League Raises the Bar The new 3-on-3 women’s league, Unrivaled, founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, is reshaping the offseason landscape. With expanded rosters and impressive average salaries around $220,000—well above WNBA averages—it’s attracting top talent and building momentum for 2026. Talksport
Sophie Cunningham Incident Sparks Concern During a WNBA game, Sophie Cunningham was nearly hit by a sex toy thrown onto the court—one of several bizarre incidents recently. The disturbing episode has put pressure on the league to enhance security as playoff time approaches. Cinemablend
International Talent & Tournaments
Jeremy Sochan Injured, EuroBasket Plans Altered Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan has been ruled out of EuroBasket 2025 due to a calf injury. He’ll return to San Antonio for rehabilitation in time for the NBA training camp. San Antonio Express-News
GLOBL JAM Spotlights Rising Canadian Stars In Toronto, the return of GLOBL JAM, an international U23 tournament, brings together men’s and women’s squads—including Team Canada and U.S. college teams—for competition and talent showcase. Raptors HQ
Players Making Moves — On and Off the Court
VJ Edgecombe’s Inspiring Rise NBA fans have a new hero in VJ Edgecombe, the 76ers’ third overall draft pick, whose defensive fire and summer league performance reflect a journey from humble beginnings in the Bahamas to potential stardom. Liberty Ballers
Tristan Thompson Champions Internet Access Beyond the court, NBA champ Tristan Thompson stepped into a new role as Chief Digital Equity Officer at World Mobile, aiming to bring reliable internet to underserved communities worldwide.
