Real Madrid fans have spoken out against the club potentially joining the NBA Europe project, insisting that leaving the EuroLeague would be a mistake.
The three largest Real Madrid supporters’ groups—“Berserkers,” “Los Ojos del Tigre,” and “PM La Gran Familia”—have stated their position on the NBA Europe project through a joint statement released on social media.
Real Madrid / Schedule
The fans believe that Real Madrid leaving the EuroLeague to join NBA Europe would be a mistake, despite their disagreements with how the EuroLeague is currently run.
Full statement by Real Madrid fans:
"In light of the information that has emerged in recent months—and especially in recent weeks—regarding our Club’s position on the EuroLeague and the NBA Europe project, we would like to jointly express our opinion on the matter.
We start from the premise that public information is scarce and that the Club itself has not officially stated its position.
Our commitment is to a European basketball landscape in which we can compete against historic teams with deep basketball traditions. As of today, that is not what the NBA Europe project appears to offer; in the current EuroLeague, only Real Madrid would remain. Being the sole team in this new competition would, in our humble opinion, be a mistake.
It is true that the EuroLeague has aspects we disagree with, such as holding the Final Four in Abu Dhabi and the extremely high cost of season tickets at all Final Fours. We also oppose the participation of a recently created team from Dubai solely for economic reasons, among other issues."
NBA Europe Just Got A Reality Check…
"Nevertheless, despite everything, it remains the competition that currently brings together the great historic clubs of European basketball and has a clear project, one we may like more or less. By contrast, based on the statements made this week by its commissioner, the NBA Europe project generates more shadows than clarity, both from a sporting and an economic standpoint.
We are proud that our Club has always been a pioneer in creating new competitions, but we would prefer it to do so alongside other teams with a strong tradition. It is necessary to reach agreements and improve what the EuroLeague currently offers in certain areas.
Real Madrid must always compete at the highest continental level, and as of today, the NBA Europe project cannot offer that.
Finally, we want to make it clear that we will always support a style of basketball in which fan passion is a fundamental pillar of the competitions and in which ticket and season-ticket prices are reasonable, so that this sport does not become a luxury product.
Whatever happens, we will always stand by the Club we love, supporting it in good times and bad."
Support BasketNews so we could make even better content.