By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
EuroLeague shareholders met on Friday to vote for the new CEO of the competition, replacing Paulius Motiejunas in the role.
Having the support of Real Madrid, among others, Chus Bueno was voted in as the new EuroLeague CEO. The interest shown by the Spanish giant after two years of distance from EuroLeague decision-making is also seen as a signal of its future intentions regarding the competition.
The final result of the voting was 13-0 for Bueno, however he had strong support in the last few weeks not only from Real Madrid, but also from Barcelona, Baskonia, Olympiacos and Maccabi.
The unanimous result of the vote, of course, sends a strong message of unity.
As previously reported by Eurohoops, two candidates were in the running — Chus Bueno and Michael Ilgner — with the majority ultimately deciding in favor of the Spaniard.
Therefore, the former NBA Vice President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) will now take over one of the most important roles in European basketball at a crucial moment for the sport.
Bueno is a former point guard who later moved into basketball executive roles. He spent 12 years as NBA Vice President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, served as executive director of the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB), and was general secretary of the Spanish Basketball Players Union (ABP). Last February, he became Managing Director of DAZN Basketball.
Per the EuroLeague press release: “The clubs would like to express their gratitude to Paulius Motiejunas for his service, commitment and dedication during his tenure. Under his guidance, the organization has achieved important milestones and continuous growth that have helped strengthen its position within the basketball ecosystem. The ECA Board of Directors, on behalf of all Euroleague Basketball clubs wish him every success in his future professional endeavors.
The Board of Directors remains fully committed to Euroleague Basketball’s mission of promoting excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth across European basketball”.