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EuroLeague shares its expectations ahead of meeting with NBA and FIBA

With the NBA and FIBA exploring the creation of a new European league, the EuroLeague enters the talks next week with an open mind and no fixed agenda. CEO Paulius Motiejunas emphasized a willingness to collaborate, saying the goal is to explore ways to grow basketball across the continent.

EuroLeague officials are set to meet with NBA and FIBA representatives to discuss the future of European basketball on Tuesday, BasketNews has learned.

NBA and FIBA Europe are currently exploring the possibility of launching a new league on the continent—one that could include current EuroLeague powerhouses like Real Madrid and Barcelona, while also introducing newly formed clubs in non-traditional basketball markets and major football cities.

Speaking at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas shared the league's mindset heading into the talks.

"That's a difficult question to answer," Motiejunas told BasketNews.

"We go with an open heart and open mind, trying to do what we've always said—see how we can grow basketball overall in Europe. If we find ways to collaborate, we're happy to do that."

He stressed that the EuroLeague isn't arriving with fixed demands or a checklist.

"We just want to have an open discussion, explore how to grow the game, how to improve basketball. If it's something we can do together, great. But I can't tell you we're going with a list of A, B, C, and D items for a yes-or-no decision," he said.

Referring to a recent NBA press conference, Motiejunas added with a smile: "They used the word 'explore,' so maybe I'll copy that—we'll sit down and explore possibilities."

Donatas Urbonas

Donatas Urbonas is an award-winning Lithuanian basketball journalist, recognized as the best sports journalist in Lithuania in 2016 and the top basketball journalist in 2018. A Vilnius University journalism graduate, Urbonas has reported on major global sports events, including the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympics, FIBA World Cups, EuroBaskets, NBA Summer League, and NBA Draft.

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