By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
Fenerbahçe Beko General Manager Derya Yannier has publicly endorsed Beşiktaş’s potential inclusion in the EuroLeague, stating that both Fenerbahçe and Anadolu Efes believe the Istanbul club is ready to compete at the highest level of European basketball.
Speaking on HT Spor, Yannier addressed ongoing discussions regarding the EuroLeague’s future format and the possibility of expanding the competition to 20 teams. While acknowledging concerns over an increasingly demanding schedule, he said Beşiktaş has demonstrated the capacity to handle the challenges that come with participation in Europe’s premier club competition.
“All teams and players have serious concerns regarding the calendar,” Yannier said. “This was the first season with 20 teams, and it was extremely demanding for everyone. Continuing with the same format next season was a brave decision. However, we made it very clear that if there are 20 teams, we believe Beşiktaş is ready and capable of carrying that workload. It would also be a very positive development for Turkish basketball.”
Yannier added that, should the EuroLeague officially adopt a 20-team format, he expects Beşiktaş to be among the participating clubs.
“If the decision is made to continue with 20 teams, I believe Beşiktaş will be in the EuroLeague,” he said. “If the league remains at 19 teams, the schedule will be somewhat less demanding.”
Although Yannier acknowledged that other clubs are also under consideration, he emphasized that Fenerbahçe and Anadolu Efes have clearly communicated their support for Beşiktaş.
“There are other candidates besides Beşiktaş,” he noted. “But together with Anadolu Efes, we have made our position very clear. Most clubs also see Beşiktaş as the strongest candidate for that spot.”
The veteran executive also highlighted the recent Turkish Basketball Super League Finals between Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş as evidence of the positive direction Turkish basketball is taking. The series, played in front of packed arenas, concluded with Fenerbahçe securing the championship on a dramatic last-second basket.
“Creating this kind of atmosphere within Turkish basketball makes me very happy,” Yannier said. “Two major clubs like Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş facing each other in sold-out arenas was fantastic. We won the title with a last-second shot that could have been devastating for Beşiktaş, yet there was not the slightest incident. These are very positive developments for Turkish basketball.”
Yannier also praised Beşiktaş’s performance throughout the finals and commended the club’s resilience despite a series of setbacks.
“Both coaches gave each other the respect they deserved,” he said. “You have to take your hat off to Beşiktaş for their attitude and fight in this series. After so many injuries and losing the third game at home, showing that level of resistance was something not everyone could have achieved.”
Concluding his remarks, Yannier expressed admiration for Beşiktaş’s organizational progress in recent years and stressed the importance of strong competition for the future of Turkish basketball.
“Beşiktaş has built a very solid structure over the last two or three years, and I have great respect for the work they are doing,” he said. “I hope they continue to grow. Competition will elevate both our clubs and Turkish basketball as a whole. Today we won, tomorrow they may win, but in the end the real winner will be Turkish basketball and our national team.”
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