ALBA Berlin’s sports director Himar Ojeda spoke about the club’s shift from the EuroLeague to exploring NBA Europe. He highlighted the appeal of NBA Europe’s sustainable model, better scheduling, and global marketing potential, emphasizing that the league could combine Europe’s basketball tradition with NBA-level management and fan engagement.
ALBA Berlin are exploring the possibility of joining NBA Europe, according to sports director Himar Ojeda. He shared the club’s plans and philosophy in a detailed conversation about the team’s current status and future ambitions.
On ALBA’s departure from the EuroLeague, Ojeda explained the circumstances that forced the club to look elsewhere.
“For many years, we were strong believers in the EuroLeague,” Ojeda said per Mozzart Sport. “It was great competition, and we wanted to be part of it and help it grow in the right direction. But eventually, they didn’t want us anymore, presenting us as if we weren’t good enough to compete and share things with others.”
When asked about NBA Europe, Ojeda confirmed that ALBA are actively considering the league.
“As I said, we were strong believers in the EuroLeague for 25 years and wanted to be part of it,” he explained. “EuroLeague has gone through a tough period with leadership changes and disputes. We felt the transition should lead to further integration of teams, as part of a licensed group, improving the competition together.”
“When EuroLeague said no, we considered alternatives. When FIBA and the NBA launched the idea of a new league with values we support, sustainable with better scheduling, aligned with national leagues, we were interested. We’re actively studying the possibility of joining the league. Everything planned seems very attractive and interesting.”
He explained that their discussions with the NBA have been continuous and very constructive, emphasizing that both sides have made steady progress.
“We’ve had many conversations over the past year, and things are moving in the right direction,” Ojeda stated. “Since the first meeting, progress has been steady, and now things are accelerating. We support all efforts, as Adam Silver said, because we are working together on this opportunity.”
Credit Rokas Snarskis
Regarding the potential entry fee, Ojeda stressed that ALBA are looking at this as a long-term investment.
“The plan is a long-term business idea with profit. Silver said it’s not short-term,” he explained. “Our club has financial limits. If the fee is high, we can’t afford it. But if you invest knowing it can double or triple in a few years, that’s called an investment. We have investors willing to join because they see potential. Now, the process needs to accelerate through idea exchange and investor involvement.”
He also went into detail about the potential benefits that NBA Europe could bring to the sport across the continent, highlighting how the new league could elevate the overall level of competition.
“My expectations are positive, based on combining our strengths — basketball identity and quality. Europe has an excellent basketball tradition, while the NBA has well-developed product management, sales, and marketing. Combining these has huge potential. Some say Europe is different and things that work in the US won’t work here. That’s fine; we don’t aim to copy the NBA, just adapt smartly.”
Ojeda highlighted a comment from NBA commissioner Adam Silver about untapped basketball potential in Europe.
“In the US, every bar has a TV, and sports channels broadcast 24/7. Europe doesn’t. We don’t need 24/7 channels, but there’s potential to market better, strengthen audience connection, add content, All-Star events, fan engagement, small but important details during games — like local player speeches, pre-game or post-game content. These can be adapted and exploited,” he concluded.
Who are the EuroLeague shareholders?
Team
Anadolu Efes Istanbul (Turkiye)
Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain)
FC Barcelona (Spain)
Fenerbahce Istanbul (Turkiye)
Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
Olympiacos Piraeus (Greece)
Olimpia Milan (Italy)
Panathinaikos Athens (Greece)
Real Madrid (Spain)
ASVEL Villeurbanne (France)
FC Bayern Munich (Germany)
Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)
CSKA Moscow (Russia)
NBA Europe Just Got A Reality Check…
Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.