Dear Sir\/Madam,<\/p>\n
We, the members of the European Basketball Forum, which unites over 600 coaches,
\nexperts from related fields, club owners, general managers, former players, and
\nrepresentatives from public media, present this declaration in response to the
\nserious challenges facing European basketball. This initiative, born from long-term
\nand constructive dialogue, aims to protect the integrity and future of the European
\nbasketball system, which is currently grappling with significant problems related to
\nthe uncontrolled migration of young talent to the United States.<\/p>\n
In recent years, an increasing number of young players are choosing to move to U.S.
\nuniversity and professional leagues, resulting in the loss of top talent at a crucial
\nstage of development. This phenomenon has a profound impact on the quality of
\nEuropean basketball as it leads to the weakening of domestic leagues, the loss of
\nnational identities, and the redirection of resources, which were previously aimed
\nat developing European players, toward models that do not align with our cultural
\nand sporting values.<\/p>\n
Given the seriousness of this problem, the forum is not against players moving to
\nthe NCAA or NBA. On the contrary, the Forum advocates that all transitions and
\nplayer transfers be regulated through clear, international legal frameworks,
\nachievable only under FIBA standards. The Forum calls for the establishment of
\na legal framework under FIBA that will ensure that each player’s move is
\naccompanied by fair and just compensation for all parties involved in the player’s
\ndevelopment. In order to ensure fairness in the process, legislative regulation of
\nplayer transfers to the U.S. must be based on FIBA regulations that guarantee a
\nbalanced and equitable approach.<\/p>\n
In light of this situation, as responsible representatives of the European basketball
\ncommunity, we appeal to all relevant institutions and bodies to recognize the
\nseriousness of the problem and take immediate and appropriate measures to stop
\nthe further erosion of European basketball, with FIBA leading the necessary actions.<\/p>\n
Our Declaration contains the following key points:<\/p>\n
Legislative Regulation of Player Migration<\/p>\n
The first issue to address is the loss of top young players and the control over their
\ndevelopment. As European clubs and national federations continue to invest
\nsubstantial resources in the training and development of young players, they are
\nlosing these talents during the most critical period of their development, between
\nthe ages of 16 and 22. This migration undermines the long-term sustainability of
\nEuropean basketball.
\nWe call for the enactment of legal frameworks through FIBA regulations to regulate
\nthe movement of young talent from Europe to the NCAA and NBA, in order to
\npreserve the European basketball development system and its infrastructure. This
\nframework must ensure that European clubs and federations are protected and
\ncompensated fairly for the development of players they produce, reflecting the
\nvalue they bring to global basketball markets.<\/p>\n
Protection of European Identity<\/p>\n
A key aspect of the current crisis is the erosion of national identities in European
\nbasketball. As more young players are lost to the American system, European teams
\nand national federations are receiving players who have been shaped by a
\ncompletely different basketball philosophy. These players come with different
\nvalues, playing styles, and tactical habits that disrupt the unity of teams and
\ndiminish the competitive strength of European basketball.
\nWe emphasize the importance of preserving the cultural, playing, and team values
\nof European basketball. The European approach to basketball, which emphasizes
\ntechnical skills, teamwork, and long-term development, is vital to maintaining the
\nintegrity of the game on the continent. We believe that FIBA must take a more active
\nrole in shaping the future of basketball by ensuring that the uniqueness of European
\nbasketball is not lost in the rush toward American models.<\/p>\n
Establishment of Institutional Regulations<\/p>\n
To address these issues, we call for the creation of a unified European basketball
\npolicy that ensures coordination between all European leagues, basketball
\nfederations, and FIBA. This policy must facilitate a clear, legal framework for
\nregulating the migration of young players, and it should establish a sustainable
\nsystem that supports the development of young talent across Europe.
\nWe urge FIBA to rework its current regulations, or to introduce new ones where
\nnecessary, in order to create a legal agreement between FIBA and USA
\nBasketball that establishes a fair and transparent process for player transfers. This
\nagreement should ensure that the transfer of players is done with appropriate
\nfinancial compensation for the clubs, leagues, and federations that have developed
\nthese players. It should also ensure that both the NCAA and NBA are held accountable
\nand are required to respect the same market regulations as their European
\ncounterparts.<\/p>\n
Increased Investment in Domestic Leagues and Development Programs<\/p>\n
A critical step in protecting the future of European basketball is the increased
\ninvestment in domestic leagues and development programs. We call for national
\nfederations and clubs to bolster their efforts in developing the infrastructure and
\nresources necessary to retain young talent in their home countries. With proper
\ninvestment in coaching, training facilities, and competitive leagues, European clubs
\ncan continue to nurture and develop players to compete at the highest level.
\nThese efforts must be aligned with FIBA’s broader vision and supported by clear,
\nenforceable regulations that ensure fairness and consistency across all regions.<\/p>\n
Collaboration with International Institutions<\/p>\n
Lastly, we call for active collaboration with international institutions, including
\nFIBA and other relevant bodies, to create an international framework that ensures a
\nbalanced approach to the development of basketball talent. By working together
\nwith global institutions, European basketball can ensure that both domestic and
\ninternational systems work in harmony, with the interests of players, clubs, and fans
\nat the forefront.<\/p>\n
In conclusion, we urge all stakeholders in European basketball to take immediate
\naction to address the challenges outlined in this declaration. We recognize that the
\nfuture of European basketball depends on our ability to adapt, coordinate, and
\nprotect the values that have made the sport unique and successful across Europe.<\/p>\n
We trust that FIBA, along with national federations and leagues, will take
\nresponsibility for ensuring that the necessary changes are made to safeguard the
\nfuture of European basketball. We remain committed to working together to create
\na fair and sustainable system for the development of young players worldwide.<\/p>\n
This declaration represents the collective stance of coaches, experts, club owners,
\ngeneral managers, and all those committed to preserving European basketball.
\nAware of the importance of this issue, we appeal to all members of the European
\nbasketball community to support this initiative and contribute to its realization. Our
\ngoal is to protect the future of European basketball, preserve its identity, and enable
\nyoung players to grow within systems that align with our values, supported by FIBA
\nregulations.<\/p>\n
This declaration will be sent to all relevant addresses, including FIBA, European
\npolitical institutions, and all other organizations that the Forum believes can
\ncontribute to solving this problem.
\nEuropean Basketball Forum
\nAleksandar \u2013 Sasa Djordjevic, Danko Cvijeticanin, Kosta Jankov
\nAnd other Forum members<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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