Euroleague CEO not afraid of the NBA in Europe: "Having a theory is one thing, making it work is another"

The possibility of the NBA launching a new competition in Europe has created a buzz in the international basketball scene, but it doesn't alarm the EuroLeague hierarchy. Although the organization doesn't hide its skepticism about the project, it also doesn't seem threatened by it.

“We've only heard the plan or the boasts of how incredible it will be and the great potential it has,” stated Paulius Motiejunas, CEO of the EuroLeague, regarding the European league that the NBA is exploring. “But having a theory is one thing, and making it work is another.”

Motiejunas emphasized that experience plays in favor of the EuroLeague in a complex ecosystem like Europe. “We've been here for 26 years. We know how Europe works,” he added, underscoring that the cultural, economic, and sporting context of the continent cannot easily be replicated from outside.

A established competition versus a project under construction

With historic clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, the EuroLeague is widely regarded as the best men's professional competition outside the NBA. Currently, it consists of 20 teams, of which 13 are shareholder clubs with permanent licenses and immunity from relegation. The rest of the spots are awarded through national league placements or invitations.

In contrast to this established model, the NBA, in collaboration with FIBA, is exploring the creation of a European league with 16 teams, including 12 permanent members, set to commence in October 2027. Potential host cities include key locations such as Athens, Istanbul, Paris, Lyon, Munich, Berlin, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, London, and Manchester, showcasing the project's geographic ambition.

Clubs under scrutiny

Attention now focuses on three EuroLeague shareholder clubs yet to renew their long-term licenses: Real Madrid, Fenerbahçe Istanbul, and ASVEL Lyon, owned by Tony Parker, who has publicly supported the NBA initiative.

In contrast, Barcelona, which recently declined license renewal, has indicated it will eventually extend for another 10 years beyond this season.

“It's a great achievement, of course. It's a significant brand, and we're glad they've committed,” Motiejunas remarked regarding the Catalan club, which has not made any public comments on the matter.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Motiejunas expressed confidence in the competition's core stability.

“The NBA has been announcing and announcing things for a year, but it's still not something that can be fully grasped,” he explained. “As entrepreneurs—these are team owners—they also begin to see that it's a bit like a broken record of 'we'll announce it later'... The start of '27 is just around the corner.”

Legal aspects and potential consequences

According to various reports, EuroLeague shareholder clubs are subject to a €10 million buyout clause (approximately $11.6 million). Motiejunas avoided delving into detailed specifics, simply mentioning that through “legal consequences and teams,” contracts could be terminated. He added that there is no buyout clause with the NBA.

EuroLeague insists that they remain open to some form of future relationship with the NBA. However, the current stance is defensive. The organization recently sent a formal letter to the NBA, warning of legal action if direct discussions with EuroLeague shareholder clubs continue.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver downplayed this threat in Berlin on Thursday, before the Orlando Magic defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 118-111 in the first NBA regular-season game held in Germany.

Silver also minimized the EuroLeague's significance in the global context. “If I thought the competition's ceiling was the existing EuroLeague and the interest of its fans,” Silver stated, “we wouldn't be devoting so much time and attention to this project.”

The European market as a long-term target

Reports suggest that the NBA is seeking franchises valued at a minimum of $500 million. Silver acknowledged that the path will be lengthy, requiring investor patience.

“I think it will take time before it becomes a viable commercial venture,” he explained, noting that full development could span “multiple decades.”

Silver also cautioned that the “potential” of creating a new European league is an “enormous task” and described talks with Real Madrid and other Spanish clubs as “more of an exploratory process.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El CEO de la Euroliga, sin miedo a la NBA en Europa: "Tener una teoría es una cosa, hacerla funcionar otra"