EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas recently shared his concerns about the NBA’s plans to launch a new league in Europe, stating that discussions have not been productive. He believes the NBA’s approach could disrupt the established European basketball scene rather than help it grow.
In contrast, Motiejunas highlighted the EuroLeague’s own success, pointing to its recent financial growth and record-breaking fan attendance as proof that its current model is working well.
🏀 A Clash of Visions with the NBA
Motiejunas expressed frustration with the ongoing talks with the NBA. He explained that while the EuroLeague is open to dialogue, the NBA seems to be moving forward with its own plans, even trying to attract major clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. He worries that introducing another top-tier competition would confuse fans and harm the rich history that European basketball has built. According to Motiejunas, the NBA’s business-focused approach is very different from the EuroLeague’s philosophy of building a business around the sport itself.
📈 EuroLeague’s Strong Performance
Despite the challenges from the NBA, the EuroLeague is in a strong position. Motiejunas proudly noted that the league’s revenue has grown by 45% in the last two seasons, and it has attracted new sponsors. Fan engagement is also at an all-time high, with television viewership up by 30% over five years and a record three million fans attending games last season. He emphasized that the competition is more exciting than ever, with any team capable of beating another—a quality the league is determined to protect.
🌍 Navigating Global Issues
The league is also dealing with complex political situations. Motiejunas confirmed that Russian teams remain suspended until the conflict in Ukraine ends. Regarding Israel, he stated that the EuroLeague plans to resume games in Tel Aviv, as reports from players at clubs like Maccabi and Hapoel indicate the city is calm. However, safety remains the top priority. The league will conduct its own safety checks to ensure the well-being of players, staff, and fans before making a final decision, acknowledging that the situation is delicate.
展望 Future Goals and New Markets
Looking ahead, the EuroLeague is focused on growth and expansion. Motiejunas praised the success of holding the Final Four in Abu Dhabi and welcomed the addition of a team from Dubai for the 2025-26 season. He believes these new markets will help bring European basketball to a wider audience while preserving its unique character. The league has an ambitious goal: to triple its valuation, which was estimated at one billion euros last season, within the next five years by continuing to put basketball first.
