By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid appears to be following the path of NBA Europe. The Spanish team, who have yet to renew its EuroLeague contract, could be pioneers in the new project that is on the horizon.
As confirmed by Jorge Garbajosa, president of FIBA Europe, on COPE’s Tiempo de Juego program, the Spanish team’s interest is genuine.
“We know that Real Madrid has shown interest, and the NBA is in direct, high-level talks with the club,” Garbajosa told COPE. “We know it’s an interesting option for them, as it is for other clubs, as Adam Silver said the other day,” he continued.
Following the NBA commissioner’s press conference in Berlin and the subsequent meeting in London, the NBA Europe project appears to be laying its groundwork. “The feeling we have is that this has gotten underway, that this is going to happen,” confirmed Garbajosa himself.
“It’s been a hectic few days. Last Monday we had a meeting with many people, including basketball clubs, investors, and soccer clubs… who all wanted to hear about the project’s direction.”
Garbajosa spoke candidly about the losses clubs are incurring with the EuroLeague and what it means for teams to “lose an average of 20, 25, or 30 million a year without any kind of return,” as he stated on COPE radio.