EuroLeague boss slams NBA’s ambitious European plan as a ‘bit of a broken record’
‘We know how Europe functions,’ says league CEO as US body starts pitch to investors, clubs with a target start of October next year
European basketball often is a hot mess of passionate fandom, heated rivalries and financial problems, and holding some powerful fiefdoms together is the EuroLeague.
The European competition is not thrilled about the NBA’s plans to create a new competition on the continent. It is not concerned either.
“We’ve only heard the plan or the fireworks of how amazing it will be, how much potential there is,” EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas said of the NBA’s proposed league. “But having a theory is one – and making it work is two.
“We’ve been here for 26 years. We know how Europe functions.”
With clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, the EuroLeague is considered the best men’s professional competition outside the NBA. The 20-team league comprises 13 “shareholder” clubs immune from relegation. The rest either qualify through their domestic leagues or through invitation.
The NBA, in partnership with world governing body Fiba, is eyeing a 16-team model with 12 permanent members – with a target start of October 2027. It has identified Athens, Istanbul, Paris, Lyon, Munich, Berlin, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, London and Manchester as potential host cities.