NBA Europe has been in conversation with different stakeholders and there are more layers to peel off. As the league works towards growing its platform in the world of basketball, certain teams are voicing their loyalty to the existing league in Europe, the EuroLeague. Basketball teams such as Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos are taking a step back from the craze of NBA Europe and sticking to what they know best. Finding hope in NBA Europe is the Russian basketball community, which has shown slight interest in joining the league and growing their platform.
EuroLeague Clubs turn away from NBA Europe during talks
NBA Europe is an exciting innovation that is surrounded by the possibility of teams wanting to grow in the league. While this is causing movement in European basketball, the EuroLeague teams remain firm in their position in the league. Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos were rumoured to have interest in joining NBA Europe, however, both teams such down that narrative. Showing loyalty, the teams spoke out in a meeting, saying they’ve chosen to grow the EuroLeague.
President of the Russian Basketball Federation, Andrei Kirilenko, voiced his opinion:
“FIBA has been trying to find a partner to take it to the next level, and the NBA can help in this regard. It’s a bit early to know what kind of competition it will be and what format it will have, but it’s clear the NBA has all the tools to succeed.”
Will Russia find itself in the NBA?
Russia has not been very active in the basketball world, especially with limited international involvement due to political concerns. This situation has made the country’s potential involvement in the NBA and other big matches unclear and frustrating. Andrei Kirilenko, president of the Russian Basketball Federation, explained:
“For five years, we haven’t had high-level basketball. We want to return. We want to be part of basketball.”
The longing to be a part of the basketball world again began in 2022, with the Russian team being excluded from competing due to tensions across the globe. While they haven’t competed in a while, Kirilenko has hope that Russia will be included in global basketball.
“Sooner or later, teams will be part of a league, similar to the EuroLeague and FIBA basketball. Russia will return. This is inevitable.”
NBA Europe is said to be operating with about eight to 10 basketball teams; however, Russia has not been confirmed on the franchise list. The political tension in Russia is a situation that Kirilenko views as unnecessary to use as a force to limit their basketball dominion:
“There are organizations that want to use basketball as a political weapon against Russia. It’s unfair. But what can we do? Nothing.”
Real Madrid and Barcelona’s uncertain futures in the EuroLeague
The introduction of NBA Europe in European basketball has posed a slight threat to the legacy of the EuroLeague, and although many European teams have pledged their loyalty, influential teams such as Real Madrid and Barcelona are quiet, with many questioning their stance after the 2026 season. The 10-year license of Real Madrid expires in 2026, which is when NBA Europe commences, and many say that the franchise is on the target list for the NBA.
The EuroLeague is said to have found a potential partnership with BC Partners, a private equity firm. The continuation of this partnership requires at least 11 committed shareholders to proceed. The EuroLeague’s financial position and long-term growth are dependent on the success of the partnership.
NBA Europe is currently finding its feet in Europe with European teams Real Madrid and Barcelona, which hold significant positions in European basketball. While the teams’ decisions are uncertain, clubs like Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos remain grounded with their affiliation with the EuroLeague. On the other end, Russia is being vocal about its exclusion from global basketball, and Andrei Kirilenko’s consistency may get through to NBA Europe. Will Russia make its basketball debut in the NBA and break its dry spell from 2022, and who will join the NBA in Europe?
