The Split in European Basketball: NBA Plans Its Own League
The Spanish outlet “Mundo Deportivo” has reported that the NBA is moving towards establishing its own basketball league in Europe, citing a lack of cooperation from EuroLeague officials. The absence of communication between these organizations has reportedly caused unrest within EuroLeague. Notably, recent statements have revealed that Israeli teams will also be part of these plans, contrasting earlier assertions that excluded them.
NBA’s Strategic Approach
The NBA recognizes the value of rivalry games, particularly in relation to teams from Turkey and Greece, and aims not to lose out on these assets. Sources indicate that the Israeli clubs could also join the proposed league due to their potential to enhance the competitiveness and appeal of the new venture.
Player Connections and Ownership Prospects
The report emphasizes the American connections of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem, pointing to possible ownership changes involving the Wilf family with Maccabi and the potential involvement of Matan Adleson with Hapoel. Additionally, it highlights the economic potential of Hapoel Tel Aviv under the ownership of Ofer Yenay.
League Structure and Future Potential
Initially, the NBA’s plan for the league included 12 core teams, with a provision for an additional four teams to be added yearly based on performance in local leagues and FIBA’s Champions League. However, this structure remains flexible; if the NBA identifies more than 12 deserving teams, the number of core teams may increase.
Teams with Significant Fan Bases
The NBA is particularly eyeing clubs with large fan bases in football, such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray. The NBA also intends to establish basketball teams for existing football clubs, which could include institutions from Manchester, London, Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
The impact of these developments will unfold in the coming months as both the NBA and EuroLeague navigate this complex and dynamic landscape of professional basketball in Europe.