EuroLeague CEO Sets Condition for Cooperation with NBA

EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno spoke to the Spanish news agency EFE about the NBA's plans to expand into Europe. It has long been known that the NBA is considering setting up a new structure in Europe in partnership with FIBA. However, it is not yet clear whether there will be joint work with EuroLeague or whether an independent league will be established.

According to Bueno, if a partnership is formed, all shareholder clubs must be part of the model and financial terms must be negotiated at the table. He said the clubs are open to joining the project but do not want to take on a heavy investment burden. The executive said they aim to find the most suitable formula.

Bueno stressed that EuroLeague and EuroCup will not disappear. He reported that some clubs have said that if an agreement is reached with the NBA and they are left out, they will set up their own leagues. He added that if these problems cannot be resolved, new leagues may emerge regardless of their name.

Saying they are open to talks if the NBA makes other offers, Bueno stated that they will first continue developing the existing EuroLeague model. He acknowledged the NBA's knowledge in marketing and brand value creation, as well as its global experience. In return, he argued that EuroLeague has the capacity to operate in a very diverse ecosystem and has the best clubs and fans.