By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Massimo Zanetti, owner of Virtus Bologna, described the NBA Europe project as largely speculative, highlighting that some of Europe’s top clubs appear to be overlooked in early proposals.
Speaking at the presentation of Virtus Campione, a photographic book celebrating Virtus Bologna’s latest Italian championship, Zanetti said:
“Right now it’s mostly talk — nothing concrete. I don’t understand why teams like Partizan and Red Star would be left out while Milan and Manchester United are included. It seems more about money than sporting merit,” Zanetti said, according to Pianeta Basket.
He also addressed Virtus’ financial situation:
“The financial tension has always been there. Do you remember why I came here? Because Virtus had problems. Finding out that a basketball team loses money is like discovering hot water — every team has it. Do you think Olimpia has perfect finances? The difference is, have you ever seen Olimpia’s budgets in the newspapers? Or Brescia, Treviso, Cremona? The club is 99% mine. I don’t have to answer to anyone except the fans, who are my partners through their season tickets. Virtus is first, we’re in the EuroLeague, we won a cup this year — what more guarantee do I need? Find someone better than me.”