By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
FIBA Europe president Jorge Garbajosa revisited the NBA Europe project during an appearance on the Europa Press Sports Breakfasts in Madrid.
“The NBA understands the values of the European sport model better than others. There’s a relationship built on a lot of trust and time. If you combine that with a passion for basketball, the numbers work out. The NBA is the best at generating business volume, and on top of that, they’re going to respect the values of basketball in Europe. It sounds very good to me,” he said, relays AS.
The partnership between the NBA and FIBA is looking to create a new top-tier league on the continent to tip off in 2027 with 16 teams, 12 with permanent spots and four through open qualification routes.
“This is about the sustainability of the competition and its clubs. Any team, regardless of the franchises, whether from the ACB, Turkiye, or Italy, has the right to participate in this competition. In the future, 20-30% will qualify based on merit, with a fair distribution of prize money. It will be an open competition,” he said.
“Nothing has been signed yet,” he confirmed on developments lacking a concrete structure.
“Nothing is perfect, but the biggest beneficiaries of this competition will be the national leagues. Because, finally, their aspirations, if they deserve them, can be fulfilled,” added Garbajosa.
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are among the candidates for a move from the EuroLeague to NBA Europe.
“The fact that they’re considering playing in this competition is a significant boost,” he mentioned.
Garbajosa also compared the current FIBA approach in competition schedules.
“It’s curious that while some are monopolizing and increasing their number of games, at FIBA we’re doing the opposite to take care of the player,” he apparently referred to the EuroLeague expansion leading to more regular-season outings for each participant. “We will have a more open competition than in the last 20 years.”
“When I played in the Euroleague, with 24 teams, no less, it only took 24 games to be champion, and now the first stage alone is 38 games with a stop in Dubai,” added the 47-year-old former player.