By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Pau Gasol has confirmed his involvement in a projected new European league, backed by the NBA and FIBA, and widely referred to as NBA Europe.
“At this moment, there isn’t a defined role. I’m simply working with the NBA, with FIBA, and talking with teams to see what the evolution of basketball growth in Europe should be. From there, we’ll see what role I end up playing, whether it’s at the league level or with a team. So I think there’s a significant opportunity to take a step forward and help our sport of basketball grow in Europe,” he shared with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
The Barcelona native maintains a profound connection with FC Barcelona, even as the club recently chose to remain with Euroleague Basketball over the NBA’s expansion efforts.
“My link with Barça is natural and self-evident. Beyond any specific role, the priority is for the club to grasp the core concept and for us to collaborate with the NBA on a strategic approach. Ultimately, this represents a major paradigm shift for European basketball and the club’s operational model. We must progress toward this goal gradually, but we are confident the outcome will be positive for everyone involved,” he explained.
Gasol was instrumental in the project’s early milestones, most notably the January summit in London that brought together teams and prospective sponsors.
“The matter of an external investor is something Barca must manage internally. The club needs to evaluate its specific situation and identify what is necessary to move forward. While it is not something I am directly involved in, I am here to help,” he noted.
Furthermore, the former player added to his vision for the future of European basketball behind a new continental league.
“Our ultimate goal is to transform European basketball into a sustainable model, one with real room for growth rather than a loss-making sport,” he said. “We have a unique opportunity to build new relationships and a different model that offers a much greater margin for impact than what we have seen until now. We need to shift our approach, define our strategy, and establish a stable foundation from the start.”
“We should build this from the ground up,” he continued. “Basketball is a globally significant sport, and I believe we have the space to enhance it as both an experience and a spectacle, going beyond just the magic of the game itself. That is exactly what we have come here to achieve.”
The NBA and FIBA are targeting October 2027 for the tipoff of the new NBA Europe league.