“Such projects pose the risk of fragmentation and confusion,” the ECA company announced.
The Euroleague sees the expansion plans of the North American professional league NBA as a “threat to the long -term tradition of European basketball”, but shows “openness to a dialogue”. The European premier class announced on Tuesday in a statement.
“Such projects pose the risk of fragmentation and confusion,” said the organizer ECA (Euroleague Commercial Assets) after a board meeting in Barcelona. The NBA had announced on March 27 that it would examine the establishment of a league in Europe in partnership with the World Association Fiba. In 2000, the Fiba was split off to found the Euroleague.
According to its own statements, the Euroleague is looking for the dialogue “with all parties that are seriously interested in contributing to the further growth of European basketball,” it said in the message. However, the board of directors continues to decide any initiatives that undermine the basic values, the legacy and fan base of European sport and recover the risk of losing loyal fans “.
After stubborn rumors for a possible expansion to Europe, the NBA had recently been on the offensive. “We feel that it is time to ignite this next stage,” said Commissioner Adam Silver after a league meeting in New York. Appropriate plans were welcomed. According to Silver, the league could consist of twelve permanent franchises and four changing members, this could “still change”. The NBA boss did not want to go further into detail because “nothing was decided”.
According to media reports, the Spanish record champion Real Madrid is interested in the project. The NBA probably also has several big football clubs in mind that could be involved in basketball. Paris Saint-Germain is said to have already sent corresponding signals.
Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs and President of the French Euroleague participant Asvel Lyon-Villeurbanne, is for a “fusion or partnership” between the European premier class and the North American league.