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The NBA Europe initiative, particularly after recent statements from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, has certainly caught the eye of fans, athletes, and head coaches alike, including Ergin Ataman, the coach of Panathinaikos A1 and the Turkish national team.
“FIBA and EuroLeague have been in competition for years. The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has established itself as one of the premier leagues globally, not just in Europe,” remarked the 59-year-old Ataman, a three-time EuroLeague champion from his successful tenures at Anadolu Efes and last season with Panathinaikos, during an interview with Anadolu Agency.
“The EuroLeague is more entertaining to watch, even when compared to the NBA, but it hasn’t been able to achieve similar financial value. There are significant issues with team budgets. At this juncture, I believe the NBA’s marketing strength could greatly benefit the EuroLeague. If the NBA were to lend its support to the EuroLeague in this manner, it would be advantageous. However, I don’t believe that an independent league created by the NBA would be viable,” he reflected on the NBA and FIBA’s current strategies.
“There are talks involving football clubs like Manchester United and PSG in a potential new league,” he continued, deeming such ideas impractical, “These are football clubs. There aren’t enough players in Europe to sustain so many teams. I view this as part of the rivalry between FIBA and the EuroLeague.”
With his experience coaching at both club and international levels, the Istanbul native also envisioned an ideal scenario for the stakeholders involved.
“If FIBA could set aside this rivalry and fully concentrate on the national teams, if the EuroLeague worked on improving its marketing effectiveness, and if a more realistic schedule could be devised that allows both NBA and EuroLeague players to participate in all international competitions, it would be far more beneficial for everyone,” Ataman stated.
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