By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
FIBA Europe president Jorge Garbajosa commented on the ongoing talks with NBA regarding the potential launch of an NBA Europe league in the future.
“We are cooperating as much as possible, because we really believe that this is great news for the basketball ecosystem in Europe,” Garbajosa said to Mozzart Sport. “We talked with the NBA, we are also talking with the Euroleague. We fight in the most positive way to have the best competitions in Europe and global growth. Of course, we take care of the national team calendar, but we also take care of domestic championships. We are working to have a structured competition pyramid in Europe. That is what we are asking from the NBA and the Euroleague, to find the best model for all parties involved.”
Recently, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and other league executives met with multiple European clubs like perennial EuroLeague powerhouse Real Madrid and Basketball Champions League side Galatasaray.
The next meeting of NBA with EuroLeague and FIBA is scheduled to take place in September, according to EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas. Motiejunas has repeatedly described the creation of a new league in Europe as unnecessary, stating that “it doesn’t make sense” and that it will just create “confusion.”
Since the first rumors about the creation of an NBA Europe emerged, it has been reported that the cities like London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona and Milan are considered important markets by the league.