European basketball’s elite EuroLeague, has released a statement in opposition to the proposed European expansion from the US’ National Basketball Association (NBA).
In a statement published today, the EuroLeague Basketball board of directors suggested that while it could support a joint growth initiative, any venture that would undermine the EuroLeague would not be supported.
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The statement says that the EuroLeague views any regional league expansion by the NBA into the continent “as a threat to the long-standing traditions of European basketball. Such developments would risk fragmentation and confusion within the sport.”
Over the past several months, the NBA has been in talks with stakeholders in Europe to form a new league in partnership with global basketball governing body FIBA, which manages international basketball on the continent but does not run Europe’s international club competitions.
Despite this, EuroLeague stated that the investment it has plied into basketball on the continent must take precedence, saying: “Over the years, Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup clubs have invested significant resources and relentless effort into delivering the best basketball experience for fans, elevating European club basketball to record levels of interest and commercial success.”
The EuroLeague board added that it is open to discussions with “any party genuinely interested in contributing to the continued growth of European basketball. However, it remains resolute in opposing any initiatives that undermine the core values, heritage, and fan base of European sports and risk leaving loyal fans behind.”
The reigning champions of English and French soccer, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), respectively, have both been contacted by the NBA over entry into this new competition, with PSG owners Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) stating it is interested in the project.
In addition, prospective investors for a team based in the UK capital, London, have also been in talks with the NBA, while the German cities of Berlin and Munich have also been considered, in part due to the failure of the NBA to agree a joint-venture partnership with European basketball’s existing elite-tier EuroLeague.
Plans for the competition, which could have at least eight and as many as 10 franchises worth up to $500 million each, are being mulled over by the league’s team owners ahead of the next NBA owners' meeting, which will take place later this week in New York City.
It was rumored that as many as four of the best EuroLeague teams could participate in the NBA Europe competition, but that now seems less likely, not least because it would serve to further stratify European basketball with yet another semi-closed elite competition.
