EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas said it's increasingly clear that the NBA and EuroLeague must work together, calling for joint efforts to grow European basketball.
The NBA is moving forward with plans to potentially launch a European basketball league.
More than two months after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver first revealed the idea, deputy commissioner Mark Tatum confirmed to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic the ongoing discussions with key stakeholders, including investment banks and EuroLeague representatives.
According to Tatum, the NBA recently held a landmark meeting in Geneva with EuroLeague officials, FIBA, and all 13 EuroLeague shareholder teams.
"It was really the first time that all three parties, including the clubs, had sat down together to talk about what the future of European basketball should look like," Tatum told The Athletic. "So I'd say there was a really productive, good conversations there."
While the EuroLeague initially rejected a formal partnership with the NBA, relations have improved, thanks partly to former San Antonio Spurs star Tony Parker, now president of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, who helped facilitate talks.
EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas echoed the shift in tone:
"It is becoming more obvious that we have to work together," Motiejunas told The Athletic. "I believe it is the first meeting of many where we should find ways to grow basketball. FIBA's wishes are clear, simple, and easy to get to.
"So, it is up to both leagues to find ways to grow European basketball," he added. "Our history, fan base, and teams would be a strong backbone to build on."
NBA Europe could launch within two to three years, per the same report.
Meanwhile, ALBA Berlin's recent move from the EuroLeague to the FIBA Basketball Champions League (BCL) is seen as a possible step toward joining the new NBA-backed project.
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