EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno: “Any partnership with NBA Europe must work for both sides”

EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno spoke to Reuters about the relationship between EuroLeague and NBA Europe and the conditions required for the two sides to reach an agreement.

EuroLeague remains open to working with the NBA on a joint project for the future of European basketball, but Bueno made it clear that the competition will not accept a deal that does not benefit both sides. Should an agreement fail to materialize, EuroLeague is prepared to move forward with its own plans and compete directly with NBA Europe.

“If we don’t reach an agreement, we would have to compete with them. We have discussed this internally and, if necessary, we are ready,” Bueno said.

The EuroLeague CEO stressed that any potential agreement would have to be based on a genuine partnership rather than a one-sided arrangement.

“It has to be a partnership that works for both of us, not just for one of the two,” he explained.

Bueno also highlighted the different strengths the NBA and European clubs could bring to a potential joint venture. The NBA has extensive expertise in running and commercializing sports competitions, while European clubs possess decades of experience and a deep understanding of their local markets.

“We know the NBA can help with the management of the competitions, so we should follow the NBA, while they should follow the value and local knowledge of the clubs, which have been on the ground for 100 years and can bring a lot to the table,” Bueno said.

A deal between the two sides could also prevent the fragmentation of the European basketball market that would likely result from the coexistence of two competing leagues.

“Having two leagues would create a fragmentation of value, both institutionally and commercially, in terms of media rights and attendance,” Bueno noted.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of European basketball, both organizations continue to work on their respective projects while keeping the door open to a potential agreement.

The battle over the future of European basketball therefore remains wide open. EuroLeague and NBA Europe still appear interested in finding common ground, but both sides are also preparing for the possibility of moving forward independently.