Fenerbahce GM Derya Yannier says the club is still in discussions with both the EuroLeague and the NBA, stressing the need for cooperation while noting the EuroLeague still provides financial incentives and strong brand value.
Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul is one of the three EuroLeague teams – alongside Real and ASVEL – that has not yet signed a new long-term license with the EuroLeague amid the emerging NBA Europe project.
Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul / Schedule
The league's new CEO, Chus Bueno, recently said the deadline to sign the new licenses is late March.
According to Fenerbahce general manager Derya Yannier, discussions with both sides are still ongoing.
"I've been thinking about this topic [NBA Europe] for about a year. Our dialogues with the EuroLeague and NBA sides are ongoing," he told Asist Analiz. "There are delicate balances and many unknowns at play. The decisions to be made will affect millions of fans. As Fenerbahce, we're trying to strike a balance in this process.
"I think it's essential for everyone to sit at the same table, set aside institutional or individual interests, and make decisions for the sake of pure basketball. The NBA coming to this table, however, is a huge opportunity. We can solve the chaotic basketball environment in Europe and the problems that prevent us from maximizing revenues."
At the same time, Yannier pushed back on the perception that the EuroLeague generates little financial return for clubs, noting that the competition does include a bonus structure.
"There's a perception that the EuroLeague generates no revenue at all. I partially agree; the organization needs to produce more revenue," he said. "However, if we finish the season in the Top 4, we'll earn about 5 million euros from the EuroLeague.
"On the other hand, the EuroLeague brand is quite valuable. As Fenerbahce Beko, our operational revenues have reached very serious levels. It looks like we'll exceed 10 million euros this year."
Fenerbahce are the defending EuroLeague champions after completing a Triple Crown last season.
They currently hold the No. 1 seed in the standings with a 22-7 record. However, no regular-season leader has gone on to win the title since the round-robin format was introduced in the 2016-17 season.
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