Alba Berlin has outlined an ambitious plan to develop a new multi-purpose arena in Berlin as part of its long-term strategy aligned with the potential launch of NBA Europe.
The Basketball Bundesliga club presented its proposal to the sports committee of the Berlin House of Representatives, detailing plans for a modern arena in the Adlershof district in southeast Berlin. The venue would feature an initial capacity of 16,000, expandable to 20,000 depending on the event.
Campus-Centered Development Model
Beyond just a sports venue, Alba Berlin envisions a broader “sports campus” concept that integrates multiple facilities into a single location. The proposed campus would include a daycare center focused on physical activity, a sports school, a boarding school, and a high-performance training center.
Club managing director Marco Baldi emphasized that the project is designed as a holistic development rather than a standalone arena. Finance director Daniel Endres also noted that the campus would be accessible to the surrounding community, aiming to create shared value for local residents.
The proposed site is a technology park located between Johannesthal and Adlershof, strategically positioned near two S-Bahn stations to ensure strong transport connectivity.
Timeline and Strategic Context
While still in early stages, Alba Berlin has indicated that the arena could realistically open in the 2031–2032 season at the earliest. The club currently plays its home games at Uber Arena but has reportedly explored alternative venues in recent years due to rising rental costs and scheduling constraints.
The project is closely tied to the broader NBA Europe initiative—a joint venture between the NBA and FIBA exploring the creation of a new professional league in Europe. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has previously highlighted the need for modern, NBA-level arenas as part of the league’s development strategy.
NBA Europe Ambitions
Alba Berlin is considered a potential candidate for inclusion in the proposed competition, which could rival existing European tournaments such as the EuroLeague. The club must submit its application for the league by March 31.
According to Baldi, having a state-of-the-art arena and integrated campus could strengthen Alba’s case significantly, positioning the organization as a strong contender in the evolving European basketball landscape.