By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid basketball director Juan Carlos Sanchez wants the NBA to expand into Europe, stating that a partnership between the two entities should happen ‘the sooner, the better’.
Speaking on Realmadrid TV on Monday, the 65-year-old executive confirmed an upcoming meeting in Italy, where Euroleague Basketball owners will gather to discuss an active proposal from the league based in North America.
“We are eager for the NBA to come to Europe,” said Sanchez. “The NBA is the premier league in the world and would give basketball on the continent a massive leap, economically, in media exposure, and in overall presence.”
“It is like being offered a Ferrari for the weekend,” added the Madrid native. “The NBA in Europe would be incredibly important for every club. Hopefully, the sooner, the better. But right now, we have to play in the Liga Endesa and the EuroLeague, trying to win every title possible. If the NBA does come later, the first championship ring is for Madrid.”
Addressing financial regulations
Sanchez also discussed other topics, including budget rises across EuroLeague team. To control this inflation, the Madrid executive believes Europe needs to adopt American-style financial restrictions.
“With the NBA, that would have limits,” he mentioned. “A salary cap has to be on the table. In the NBA, if you spend too much, you pay a fine that gets distributed to other teams, so you end up helping your competitors. The NBA regulates the sport well. It has the draft. It has experience with these things. In Europe, we perhaps act as a talent laboratory. We focus on individual and team technique, producing great players. But when it comes to commercial structure and the business side of things, the NBA has it very well organized.”
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