The NBA’s ambitious expansion into Europe has taken another major step forward, with a billionaire-led consortium reportedly preparing a bid worth more than US$1 billion to secure the league’s proposed London franchise.
According to The Athletic, American technology billionaire Nikesh Arora is in advanced talks to lead the ownership group as the NBA continues planning for the launch of NBA Europe in the second half of 2027. Investor interest has exceeded expectations, with multiple bids already surpassing the US$1 billion mark.
Billionaire Consortium Targets London Franchise
Arora, the chief executive of cybersecurity giant Palo Alto Networks, is assembling a consortium of investors to purchase the proposed London team.
The report states the group is prepared to offer more than US$1 billion, making London one of the most valuable franchises expected to enter the new competition. Arora previously led the consortium that acquired a stake in the London Spirit cricket franchise, giving him experience investing in major British sporting assets.
The NBA has yet to approve any ownership groups, but the size of the proposed bid highlights the enormous appetite for professional basketball across Europe.
The NBA’s ambitious expansion into Europe has taken another major step forward, with a billionaire-led consortium reportedly preparing a bid worth more than US$1 billion to secure the league’s proposed London franchise.
According to The Athletic, American technology billionaire Nikesh Arora is in advanced talks to lead the ownership group as the NBA continues planning for the launch of NBA Europe in the second half of 2027. Investor interest has exceeded expectations, with multiple bids already surpassing the US$1 billion mark.
Billionaire Consortium Targets London Franchise
Arora, the chief executive of cybersecurity giant Palo Alto Networks, is assembling a consortium of investors to purchase the proposed London team.
The report states the group is prepared to offer more than US$1 billion, making London one of the most valuable franchises expected to enter the new competition. Arora previously led the consortium that acquired a stake in the London Spirit cricket franchise, giving him experience investing in major British sporting assets.
The NBA has yet to approve any ownership groups, but the size of the proposed bid highlights the enormous appetite for professional basketball across Europe.
