Jordi Bertomeu, the architect of EuroLeague, spoke to Mozzart Sport about the NBA Europe project and the impact it could have on basketball across the continent. Below are some of his key statements.
On concerns surrounding EuroLeague and NBA Europe:
“First of all, because EuroLeague is not responding properly to the challenge. It should be proactive, not defensive. Secondly, the NBA is offering something new, just as we did in 2000. We must listen to them and not reject them automatically. The problem is that even after many months, we still know almost nothing about this project. When there is talk of a one-billion investment per club and long-term uncertainty regarding profits, it creates enormous uncertainty.”
On whether the NBA is truly attractive for Europe:
“No, not at all. The European reality is completely different. Here football is dominant, and basketball is far behind. The NBA knows how to do things, that is unquestionable, but Europe is not America. Yes, the economic potential of basketball can be improved, but progress already exists. How can we catch up with football? These are the biggest dilemmas.”
On a potential split between EuroLeague and NBA Europe:
“It would be catastrophic and a huge step backward. I don’t even want to think about it. The NBA can help EuroLeague grow, but not cannibalize it. EuroLeague has clubs in London, Paris, Monaco… But the foundation must not be sacrificed: Greece, Serbia, Turkey. We need to add, not subtract.”
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