By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Galatasaray faced the danger of relegation in Turkey at the end of the 2020-21 season, but this year, they turned the tide to return stronger both in the domestic league and the Basketball Champions League, with the help of naming sponsor NEF.
NEF Chairman Erden Timur recently spoke about the team’s plans for the future on VOLE’s Bas Basa, and stated his desire for the club to compete in the EuroLeague in the 2023-24 season.
“Last season we finished 14th and stayed in the league with the last game. Then we changed the system and model. Our plans are for three years. Our third-year goal [2023-24] is to join the EuroLeague,” Timur states.
Galatasaray last competed in the EuroLeague during the 2016-17 campaign, the first of its current format, finishing in the 12th position.
“The team needs time for this. Galatasaray has to play for the top in every competition it is on. Therefore, that staff needs to be formed first. We are aiming for the final in both the Basketball Champions League and the Basketball Super League next year, in the second year of the structuring. In the third year, the goal is to join the EuroLeague.”
Timur elaborated on Galatasaray’s current contract with the BCL and the plan to increase the budget of the basketball department for next season.
“This year, our Basketball Champions League contract continues. Next season is the last year of the contract. There is a 1 million euro exit clause. Apart from that, we have an income to get because we are in the top 4. We will increase the budget for basketball. I will also increase my contribution,” he adds.
Galatasaray reached the BCL Round of 16 in 2021-22, ending fourth in Group I with a 1-5 record. Their domestic league duties came to an end last week, as they lost the semifinals series to Anadolu Efes 2-3.