The major European team sports created their own association – European Team Sports – in December 2009. Besides seeking to promote, develop and represent the interests of their sports, the association also exists to further increase the information exchange that has taken place informally over recent years. The sports represented are basketball (FIBA Europe), football (UEFA), handball (EHF), ice hockey (IIHF), rugby (FIRA-AER) and volleyball (CEV).

Together the six sports have developed a joint position on sport and the EU, focusing particularly on why sport should not be treated like any other business. This can be found in a document entitled 'Safeguarding the Heritage and Future of Team Sport in Europe', submitted to the European Union in July 2008.