SDNA | A seismic shift in European basketball in talks between ECA, FIBA and the NBA

Greek media SDNA reports details of a potential seismic shift in European basketball set to happen in the continent and revolving around a more involved activism of the NBA in Europe.

The “fight” between Euroleague and FIBA could end after the departure as CEO of Jordi Bertomeu – in the upcoming weeks – and his likely replacement with Dejan Bodiroga, with NBA Europe VP Jesus Bueno noted as a possible key member of the new Euroleague management. Such moves could be official as soon as tomorrow, as there will be a meeting between Euroleague shareholders. A key figure in NBA involvement in shaping the future of European basketball is deputy commissioner Mark Tatum, who has reportedly conducted several talks in recent months on the subject.

SDNA also reports of a hypotetical new structure of European club competitions, with an expanded Euroleague – up to a maximum of 24 clubs with 46 regular season games – and the merge between Eurocup and BCL in a new competition run by FIBA and slated to “qualify” up to 6 teams to the top-tier competition. Such plans could happen soon, although there is also the possibility of a “transition year”.

SDNA also foresees the potential involvement of new European competitions, alongside BAL and G-League, into a new Netflix-type streaming platform which would offer all the games worldwide.