Euroleague on Tuesday expressed concern over the NBA’s plan to explore the creation of a rival league in Europe in partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). In a statement, the organization called the project a “threat” to European basketball, although it stressed its willingness to dialogue with interested parties.
The announcement comes after a meeting of the board of directors of Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA), the private company that organizes Europe’s premier basketball competition, held Monday in Barcelona. During the meeting, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa presented the NBA project to the 13 Euroleague shareholder clubs via videoconference.
Fragmentation of European basketball?
In its statement, the ECA warned that “these projects could fragment the sport and create confusion.” The organization reaffirmed its commitment to the model it has developed over the past 25 years, highlighting the achievements made in European basketball. However, it stressed its opposition to any initiative that could “undermine the fundamental values and legacy of European sport” or leave fans behind.
This position, according to sources close to the matter, is “widely shared” by the 13 Euroleague shareholder clubs, although there is no unanimity on the matter.
The NBA’s proposed model
The NBA’s project in Europe, according to several media, envisages the creation of a league with twelve permanent franchises, independent of their sporting results, and four additional teams that could change every year. In addition, the NBA has reportedly approached major football clubs, such as PSG, to explore the possibility of creating new basketball franchises. PSG has acknowledged a “sign of interest” in the project.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, one of the top clubs in the Euroleague, has also shown interest in the NBA project. Meanwhile, Tony Parker, president of Asvel, expressed his support for “a merger or partnership” between the Euroleague and the NBA.
The NBA and its partnership with FIBA
On March 27, the NBA announced that it would “explore” the creation of a league in Europe in collaboration with FIBA. This project seeks to take a step forward in negotiations that have been ongoing for years. According to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, “the time has come to take the next step”.
It should be recalled that the major European clubs broke away from FIBA in 2000 to create the Euroleague, which marked a turning point in European basketball. Now, the potential collaboration between the NBA and FIBA raises questions about the future of basketball on the continent.
Although Euroleague has taken a firm stance against the project, some clubs appear to be open to exploring new opportunities. According to Euroleague executive director Paulius Motiejunas, in an interview with ‘L’Équipe’, the NBA project “is not a declaration of war”, but it does raise doubts about its feasibility and its impact on European basketball.
