The NBA continues advancing plans for a new European basketball league with deputy commissioner Mark Tatum confirming ongoing discussions with potential stakeholders and investment banks. The league has engaged multiple financial advisors beyond The Raine Group to prepare for selling equity stakes in European franchises.

Tatum told The Athletic that the NBA recently held significant meetings with EuroLeague officials and representatives from all 13 permanent EuroLeague teams at FIBA's Geneva office. The NBA is collaborating with FIBA on the project development.

The NBA and EuroLeague relationship has improved after tensions last year when EuroLeague rejected the NBA's partnership proposal. Former San Antonio Spurs star Tony Parker, who owns French club ASVEL, has served as an intermediary between the organizations.

"It was really the first time that all three parties, including the clubs, had sat down together to talk about what the future of European basketball should look like," Tatum said. "So I'd say there was a really productive, good conversations there."

EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas expressed optimism about potential collaboration between the leagues.

"It is becoming more obvious that we have to work together," Motiejunas told The Athletic. "I believe it is the first meeting of many where we should find ways to grow basketball."

Tatum indicated the European basketball league could launch in two to three years. Alba Berlin's recent departure from EuroLeague to join FIBA's Basketball Champions League signals early movement toward the NBA's vision.

The German club's decision represents buying "into this vision of a revamped top-tier league in Europe," according to Tatum. The move could establish groundwork for eventual participation in the NBA's European venture.

"Our vision is that we are going to be operating the top-tier league in Europe," Tatum said. "Clearly, the EuroLeague, I think, has done a pretty nice job of growing the game, but there are millions of fans that argue the service in that model."