EuroLeague CEO unworried amid NBA's plans in Europe - ESPN

LONDON — While the EuroLeague isn't thrilled about the NBA's plans to create a new competition on the continent, it isn't concerned either.

«We've only heard the plan or the fireworks of how amazing it will be, how much potential there is,» EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas said of the NBA's proposed league. «But having a theory is one — and making it work is two.»

Motiejunas added: «We've been here for 26 years. We know how Europe functions.»

With clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, the EuroLeague is considered the best men's professional competition outside the NBA. The 20-team league comprises 13 «shareholder» clubs immune from relegation. The rest either qualify through their domestic leagues or through invitation.

The NBA, in partnership with FIBA, is eyeing a 16-team model with 12 permanent members, with a target start of October 2027. It has identified Athens, Istanbul, Paris, Lyon, Munich, Berlin, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, London and Manchester as potential host cities.

Attention is currently on three EuroLeague shareholder clubs that haven't renewed their 10-year licenses — Real Madrid, Fenerbahce in Istanbul and the Tony Parker-owned ASVEL near Lyon. Parker has signaled his support for the NBA.

Recent holdout Barcelona has indicated it will extend for another 10 years beyond this season.

«It's a big deal, of course. It's an important brand, and we're happy that they committed,» Motiejunas said of Barcelona, which hasn't commented publicly.

Motiejunas, in an interview with The Associated Press, said he's confident all 13 clubs will stay.

«The NBA has been announcing and announcing things for a year, but still it's nothing that you can grasp on,» Motiejunas said. «As businessmen, these are team