By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The EuroLeague Final Four in Berlin is approaching, and it will be the first one for Paulius Motiejunas as CEO of the competition after replacing Marshall Glickman on June 15, 2023.
Talking to AS in a long interview to discuss the future of the competition, the Lithuanian manager first commented on the growth of the EuroLeague since he was appointed CEO in almost a one-year span. “We are on a good path, but there are many pending things and problems that we have to solve. Talk to NBA and FIBA, and discuss with IMG”, he said.
The conversations between parties are on a good path. “In any business, the position is not good when the relationship between the owners is not the best. We have been stagnant for two years and we need to recover. The EuroLeague, in general terms, is well, the people in the organization work well, but there are many things to improve. Only with time will we achieve it”, Paulius Motiejunas added.
Future means also new teams and new markets, like two which have been particularly interesting in this year’s BKT EuroCup. “We know we have big potential markets in France, especially Paris, and we are lucky to have a EuroCup champion there this year. We have a great new club in London, the Lions, who are in the top 4 in the EuroCup too, so it’s good. And we have Berlin, which is our key market, so we have to grow in these key markets so that the television rights grow together”, he also commented.
Touching on the relationship with the NBA, the former Zalgiris Kaunas president. “We have had meetings with the NBA. I always want to learn from them and chat with the organization. I know someone is coming to the Final Four in Berlin. It takes time to build a relationship with the NBA. We are open to learning. We are in negotiations and discussions with the NBA, but perhaps this partnership will need time to build”, he also discussed.
Finally, he discussed the elephant in the room which stands in a Dubai team. “It’s a great step for the EuroLeague. We have to see if we have the courage to do it and if it makes sense. We know that it is a different market and a different continent. We understand the complexity of the issue”, he said.
“That’s why we are taking time and step by step to analyze everything. We don’t have a decision yet”, the Lithuanian managed added before being asked if we will see a team from Dubai in next year’s EuroLeague or EuroCup, he left the door open. “I say it’s 50-50. It’s too early to say that we will see the team”, Paulius Motiejunas finished.
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague
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