Jordi Bertomeu: NBA want control European basketball

Jordi Bertomeu: NBA want control European basketball

Former EuroLeague CEO Jordi Bertomeu gave an in-depth interview to Roberto De Ponti for Corriere della Sera

Former EuroLeague CEO Jordi Bertomeu gave an in-depth interview to Roberto De Ponti for Corriere della Sera. Here are five key takeaways.

ON FIBA

“FIBA only got involved because, after 25 years, it now has a chance to wipe out the EuroLeague. They don’t need to do anything — just wait and see what happens. FIBA is not the problem.”

ON TODAY’S EUROLEAGUE

“I don’t like to say it, but it’s true that in the last three years EuroLeague has had two CEOs, after 22 years with just one. And it’s also true that no one really understands the league’s direction anymore. It’s obvious to everyone that there are internal struggles between the clubs.”

ON THE NBA

“The NBA smelled blood and saw the chance to take advantage. EuroLeague’s weakness and lack of vision created the conditions for someone to step in. Just five years ago, such a scenario would have been unthinkable.”

“Other risks. First: I’m not sure all of today’s EuroLeague teams are of interest to the NBA. The Balkans, Greece, Turkey — are we really willing to lose their passion? Second: the NBA’s presence in Europe would turn the league into a development tool for the U.S. In Africa, the NBA arrived years ago, but nobody talks about it. The movement hasn’t grown, yet Americans now control all the talent on the continent. The same would happen in Europe. European talent is already heading to the NBA — and many come back, too. The fact that MVPs in the U.S. are almost always European says a lot about the NBA’s real interest in our basketball. They want control.”

ON THE FINAL FOUR IN THE EMIRATES

“No. Let me be clear: I’m not against opening up to the Middle East, because everyone is doing it, and that’s where the money is. But look at what others are doing. Football plays finals of minor tournaments there — Cups or Super Cups. They don’t take the league finals there. Bringing the EuroLeague Final Four to the Gulf is extremely risky: it might be great for business, but the true value of the Final Four isn’t in the business — it’s in the experience. It’s a celebration. The fans create a unique atmosphere. Even in the U.S., they admire that. Moving the most important moment of the season far away from our fans — our clients — is a serious risk.”

Source: Corriere della Sera

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