Motiegiounas: “It’s 50-50 for a team from Dubai to enter the Euroleague – Candidates to give their place to Paris”

The CEO of the Euroleague gave an interview to the Spanish “AS”, Paulius Motiegiounastalking about many “hot” topics concerning the future of the event!

First, she revealed the teams that are candidates to be replaced by her Paris in the following season, he commented on the possibility of joining a team from the Dubai in the Euroleague, while he also answered a question about where the next Final 4 will be held.

In detail what the Euroleague CEO said:



For the organization of the new season: “Unfortunately, between Alba Berlin, Virtus Bologna, the two teams from Belgrade and Valencia, one will have to leave, because Paris won the EuroCup and it affects the situation. Everyone has a 20% chance to quit. The teams are equal for us, the officials will make the decision”.

For the inclusion of a team from Dubai in the Euroleague: “We are still in negotiations with them and the organization is also talking with the clubs. We understand the complexity of the issue. We haven’t decided yet. We will continue to analyze this situation. Everyone is moving in this market. And we as Euroleague cannot close our eyes. I say it’s 50-50. It is too early to say that we will have the team in the competitions”.

On the crisis in Israel and whether Maccabi Tel Aviv had a problem with entering Dubai: “If you ask me about Maccabi, I will tell you no. Politics is one thing and the reality of the groups is another. Travel, attendance, etc. One issue is political and the other is related to the groups”.

On whether a deal between the NBA and the EuroLeague is on the horizon: “I’ve been in the Euroleague for a short time, but we had meetings with the NBA. I have been to the All Star Game and I know someone from the NBA will come to Berlin for the Final 4. There are many top European players competing in the USA. Wombenia, Doncic etc. We have to see how we can help each other. We are in negotiations and discussions with the NBA, but maybe that partnership will take time to build.”.

On the possibility of the Euroleague format changing: “We are very happy with the format. I think it is part of the success of the Euroleague. Every game matters. It is interesting for the fans and we are not thinking of reducing the number of matches. We are not going to reduce the number of games. Also, if you ask the players, they will tell you that they want to play more. They’d rather play than train.”.

For CSKA Moscow: “Until the war is over we won’t have a chance to sit down at the table to talk. There must be safe conditions for him to return. They have been banned from the game. Only when the war is over can we talk”.

On handling the situation with Maccabi Tel Aviv, playing in Belgrade: “It’s very difficult for everyone, but I think they’ve done a good job to keep playing, including the Serbian government. We hope the war ends soon. The priority is security and the end of war”.

For the headquarters’ decision for the next Final 4: “It has been publicly said that Barcelona, ​​Abu Dhabi and other countries have made bids to host the Final 4. We are analyzing everything. We hope to announce the venue in the Final 4 if all goes well”.

For Malaga: “I see no reason why they should not return to the Eurocup. It was always a great team. I have been to Malaga many times, I know the people there. Unikaha is a great organization. The doors are always open for Málaga”.

For Valencia: “Valencia is building a very attractive project. They are a club with a future in the EuroLeague, but next season they are among the five options to be relegated.”.