Tony Parker addressed ASVEL’s financial struggles, defended his business dealings, and discussed the NBA’s potential expansion to Europe.
Tony Parker has broken his silence amid financial struggles at LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and scrutiny over his business dealings.
Tony Parker
Tony Parker
Position: PG
Age: 42
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Birth place: Bruges, Belgium
The former San Antonio Spurs star addressed these issues in interviews with Le Progres and L'Equipe, offering insights into his club's financial situation and his vision for the future of European basketball.
ASVEL have faced payment delays, despite budget reductions this season. Parker attributes this crisis to Skweek, the club's primary financial partner, which he claims has not fulfilled its financial commitments.
"It's up to me, as president, to find solutions," Parker told Le Progrès, hinting at possible legal action if the situation remains unresolved by the end of the month.
To ensure ASVEL’s stability, Parker has personally invested money to cover salaries, underlining his commitment to the club’s future. Despite these financial hurdles, he remains optimistic, continuing his search for investors to sustain the club through 2030. "We still have great projects to achieve with ASVEL and ASVEL Women. The promise is to go until 2030," he stated.
Parker's business activities have come under fire, particularly his investments in Villard-de-Lans and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as highlighted by a Radio France investigation. In response, he criticized the portrayal of his ventures, arguing that details were exaggerated or taken out of context.
"I regret that some information was misrepresented. My goal has always been to contribute to economic development," he said in L'Equipe.
Beyond ASVEL and business, Parker is deeply involved in discussions about the future of European basketball. As the NBA explores expansion into Europe, Parker advocates for a partnership between the NBA, the EuroLeague, and FIBA.
"It would be a shame if we ended up with the NBA and a competing European league. We need to imagine a merger or a partnership," he told L'Equipe.
“We would like to participate, but the goal is to join forces to create something never seen before while ensuring that no historic European club is left behind," he also clarified.
While some EuroLeague executives questioned his role in these discussions, Parker reassured stakeholders of his intentions.
"Some people thought I wanted to take ASVEL and leave. Never. On the contrary, it was about defending the EuroLeague," he explained.
He believes this is a "key moment for European basketball," warning that if no agreement is reached, "the NBA will come alone."
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