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Editor | Basketball
Barcelona
The advance of the project of FIBA with the NBA In the European basketball, he continues to take steps with his presentation this Monday before a group of clubs of the Euroleaguegathered in person at the headquarters of the competition in Barcelona. The intervention of the representatives of FIBA It took place telematically, as announced hours before, with Andreas Zagklis participation, Secretary General of the International Federation, and Jorge GarbajosaPresident of FIBA Europe.
From FIBA This contact was pointed out as a sample of his will to continue joining all the parties involved in order to try to harmonize competitions in the continent. Although it was announced that the teams would have the opportunity to ask and know the details of the announcement made weeks before in New York On this new competition, finally the European clubs present acted in a consensual manner and did not express any question, just listening to the proposal. It was received with skepticism, according to some sources to MD, and lacking details about its implementation.
With this panorama, the clubs of Euroleague They continue to plan their future in a coordinated way with a view to this end of the season and at the beginning of the next one, in which the number of teams and the format that the competition can take is not yet clear. In recent months it has been rumored with an increase to 20 teams and Dubai’s possible entry as well as the return of Valencia Basket
Meanwhile, we will have to see what steps they continue to take FIBA and NBA To specify their plan, which on March 28 announced at a press conference in New York. “The initial idea is 16 teams. Perhaps 12 permanent and 4 that enter and leave … but this is subject to possible changes,” the NBA Commissioner explained that day Adam Silver. “On the incorporation of existing ones, it is a conversation that we maintain. These teams are large brands, great soccer brands and are relevant. We want to test the market in others that can participate and want to have this opportunity,” he added.
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On negotiation with clubs of the Euroleagueboth leaders were open that day. “We are analyzing cities, state capitals, industrialists but also capitals of Basket. Southern Europe has a great interest in our sport and the factors mentioned are relevant,” said Silver.
The NBA assumes this project integrated into its nucleus of new incipient growth competitions such as La Gleague, the WNBAthe Bal African or the league NBA 2Kwhere he has achieved some growth figures in audience although not yet benefits. Nor are these in the current European competition but on both sides are sought ways to find them. The Euroleague has been seduced by proposals for Emirateswhich has resulted in the granting of the final Four a Abu Dhabi or the possible inclusion of the team of Dubai. The project FIBAon the other hand, it also seems oriented to seek departures in new markets associated with strong brands from football even in cities without tradition but with strong purchasing and market power.
