Chus Bueno provides the keys to the future Euroleague and Valencia Basket

The EuroLeague faces decisive weeks both on and off the court. Prior to the Final Four, the CEO of the European competition, Chus Bueno, went over several issues that mark the current state of the tournament: the problems with fan access in Abu Dhabi, the future of Real Madrid, Valencia Basket's interest in joining the competition, and the open collaboration with the NBA.

One of the most discussed topics was the ticketing platform failure during the Final Four. Bueno acknowledged the issues faced by a portion of the fans, although he sought to downplay the scope of the problem by stating it affected less than 10% of attendees. He also explained that the majority of those affected were Fenerbahce supporters and that they were eventually able to access the arena once the situation was resolved.

Regarding the future of Real Madrid in the EuroLeague, the executive expressed confidence and optimism. He highlighted the historical and sporting significance of the white club within the competition, also recalling its presence in this season's final. While admitting that Madrid is considering different alternatives for the future, he emphasized the importance of maintaining constant communication to understand the needs of both the club and the EuroLeague itself.

Valencia Basket and the Relationship with the NBA

Another focal point was Valencia Basket. Chus Bueno confirmed the interest of the Valencian entity in becoming a stable part of the EuroLeague and assured that discussions are still ongoing. The organization sees the possibility of adding the club in a positive light, especially given the growth of its project and the construction of its new arena, factors that would strengthen its candidacy to establish itself in the top continental competition.

Furthermore, the CEO also mentioned the relationship between the EuroLeague and the NBA. He explained that both parties maintain ongoing dialogue to explore potential collaboration avenues that would benefit European basketball. In this regard, he argued that any agreement must respect the tradition, culture, and values inherent to European basketball while simultaneously seeking to maximize growth opportunities for all parties involved in the competitions.