NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
George Avaizoglou, managing director of NBA Europe and the Middle East, recently shared the latest developments regarding the NBA’s collaboration with FIBA to enhance its presence in Europe, a venture often referred to as NBA Europe.
In an interview with The New York Times, the Greek executive provided insights into the potential participants in this initiative, highlighting both established basketball teams and soccer clubs, as well as new entrants into the league.
“There is significant interest from existing basketball organizations across the continent, many of which are part of larger multi-sport entities,” he noted.
Among the clubs that align with this vision are Real Madrid and Galatasaray.
“For these organizations, it’s a prime opportunity to diversify and expand into a multi-sport strategy, which is prevalent in several European nations like Spain, Greece, and Turkey, though less so in countries like the United Kingdom. However, I believe there is a genuine interest for us in this regard,” Avaizoglou stated.
“What’s particularly compelling is that these clubs possess centuries of historical significance, boasting well-established brands that often have global recognition and loyal followings around the globe,” he continued. “On a practical level, they are managed by those who excel at filling arenas and cultivating competitive teams. The fan communities they have nurtured represent incredible value for this league right from the start.”
With an anticipated launch of a new European League set for 2027 or 2028, as confirmed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Avaizoglou mentioned that teams from cities such as Paris, London, Manchester, Berlin, and Rome could be involved.
“We might also envision a scenario where some entirely new brands emerge in certain cities as part of this league, although I believe the majority will likely stem from established type-one or type-two programs,” he said, referencing previous examples of well-known teams.
The new league could also integrate with domestic competitions, mirroring the structure currently utilized by UEFA in football.
“What we see in the world of football is a streamlined, singular pyramid that is straightforward to communicate to stakeholders, including investors, media representatives, potential partners, and athletes,” Avaizoglou remarked. “Success in the domestic league does not automatically guarantee qualification for continental competition, which I think is a significant oversight. This not only devalues the domestic leagues but also robs many teams in the ecosystem of the chance to pursue their own underdog narratives. Leicester’s triumph in the Premier League a few years back serves as a remarkable example of that.”
Photo Credit: FIBA
Stay updated with the latest news.
