By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Jordi Bertomeu is planning to return to European basketball in an active role, according to meridian sport’s Djordje Matic.
The partnership between the NBA and FIBA, widely labeled as NBA Europe, looking to create a new top-tier league in the Old Continent, on which the former president and CEO of Euroleague Basketball has expressed his skepticism, has been joined by other potential new projects, making the future of European basketball unclear. In his case, Bertomeu does not want to assist in a new league, but rather to invest in undervalued European clubs.
The 66-year-old Spanish businessperson intends to partner with Demis Torres of RideOut and other companies to shape the first Multi-Club Ownership model in European basketball. The project intends to unite currently offhand teams under a single ownership structure, aiming at growth across multiple areas, including developing improved youth programs and optimizing financial situations.
Considering such opportunities from various countries located in the Balkans to the western region of Europe in France, Spain, Italy, and Germany, the initial goal would be to connect at least three teams worth around 35 million euros in an MCO status, as noted in Thursday’s report.
Back in 2000, Bertomeu helped in launching Euroleague Basketball, leading to a new top-tier league in Europe via the EuroLeague. He was the first CEO, adding the position of chairman in 2009 and president in 2011. Ending his long spell at the helm of the league, the clubs/shareholders voted to dismiss him in 2021.