By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The president of the Italian Basketball Federation, Gianni Petrucci, expressed his excitement about the partnership between FIBA and the NBA, and the project to create a new top-shelf club competition in Europe, in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
“It’s a new league that will be good for the system, bringing resources and entertainment. The agreement also notes that registered clubs must participate in their respective domestic leagues,” mentioned the 80-year-old FIP president.
His argument went into Euroleague Basketball, and players from the current top-tier league who are not representing their countries in international windows during the annual winter schedules.
“It is a private organization. And to be honest, it doesn’t even give us players during FIBA windows,” said Petrucci.
“An NBA league is precisely the opportunity to increase competitiveness and expand the pool. If Manchester United, the most popular football (soccer) team in the world, has already said yes, there must be a reason,” he added in Sunday’s interview.
Early indications on the NBA Europe plan also include a team based in the Italian capital, alongside other big European cities, but the exact list of participants remains unclear.
“There is no team from the capital in Serie A, but Rome will not be left out. There is a very concrete option linked to a wealthy entrepreneur,” confirmed Petrucci, revealing some financial details on a projected new club.
A potential launch for NBA Europe has been scheduled at the top of the 2027-28 season.