Maurizio Gherardini: “Sustainability is the main challenge for Italian basketball”

The sustainability of Italian basketball is one of the biggest challenges facing the domestic game, according to LBA president Maurizio Gherardini.

In an intervention published by Il Resto del Carlino, Gherardini warned that the current management model of Italian clubs is already under pressure and could face further difficulties.

“A complex cultural change is needed”

“The Italian system of club management, already suffering, risks facing further critical issues.”

According to Gherardini, traditional patronage is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain, while sponsors and commercial partners are demanding greater visibility and a tangible economic return.

“Patronage is increasingly temporary, while partners have raised their expectations for visibility and a tangible economic return.”

For the LBA president, this requires “a complex cultural change”, with greater involvement from local businesses and paying fans needed to support the investments made by club owners.

“Passion has an energy limit”

Gherardini also issued a warning about the long-term sustainability of the current model.

“Passion is a great form of protection, but it has energy that eventually runs out. If sustainability is lacking, sporting rights can be challenged by stronger economies and turn into unpredictable scenarios.”

The message comes at a time when the European basketball landscape is seeing increasingly powerful financial projects enter the market, putting additional pressure on traditional club models.

An unpredictable Serie A

On the court, however, Gherardini expects a competitive season.

The Italian Super Cup has already provided an early indication of what could be ahead, with the LBA president describing the upcoming Serie A season as balanced and unpredictable.

Source: Il Resto del Carlino