The tie war shaking European basketball

BarcelonaEuropean basketball is experiencing a key strategic moment. While the EuroLeague strengthens its ties with the United Arab Emirates, the NBA is finalizing its launch with a newly created competition. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA ​​Secretary General Andreas Zagklis announced a few days ago that this time they are serious. "We are ready to move to the next stage, which is to explore a possible league in Europe. We believe the time is right. We have had the opportunity to have conversations with many different stakeholders about the opportunity to take the sport to the next level, utilizing our NBA brand and our way of operating a professional league," Silver said.

"The initial idea is a 16-team league. Perhaps 12 permanent clubs and four clubs that would change over time, but that is subject to change and is something we are analyzing. This is an open negotiation. I think, first and foremost, we want to better understand the level of interest from existing clubs, not from basketball. But we recognize there is a lot of interest," Silver analyzed.

The key is what the big European clubs will do. Barça and Madrid, two of the EuroLeague's biggest driving forces, are analyzing the most beneficial scenario for their interests, but PSG and Manchester City, teams with no influence in international basketball, also want to get involved. "It's important to clarify that the plan being reviewed will be compatible with what the national federations are doing, and that it will be aligned with the schedule and support for development activities for players, coaches, and referees," Zagklis pointed out.

The EuroLeague is trying to remain calm while establishing its position. "I don't think it was a declaration of war. The good news is that everyone seems to agree that European basketball is doing well, that it's growing substantially, and that the potential has never been greater. We see very positively the fact that the NBA wants to further explore this market with the help of FIBA. We know this territory perfectly; we have the best foundation of trust in our product. We'll see what comes out of the exploration announced at this press conference."

The NBA, EuroLeague, and FIBA ​​met a couple of weeks ago. "We're not worried. It's up to us to show that we have a clear plan for our development. I think the work we've already done and all the avenues we've recently launched with IMG will convince everyone that the EuroLeague is the best place for us to continue growing," he summed up.

Fernández calls for consensus

"The identity of European basketball is very important, as is the identity of American basketball. It's something that shouldn't be lost. Both styles of basketball are exceptional, and it's important to preserve them while developing and introducing innovations," says Jordi Fernández, Catalan coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

The Badalona-born coach focuses his speech on the fans. "The ideal situation is for everyone to sit at the table and create the best possible result for the fans. For everyone to get involved so that together we can build the best possible league in the interest of the fans, and for them to see a better product than the one we have now," he adds.