Aivazoglou for NBA Europe: “We recognize the great Euroleague job, we are open to alliances”

For some time now, the NBA has expressed its intention to “extend” to Europesomething that has raised concern to her friends Euroleagueas to what it will mean for the status of the top European event.

NBA’s executive director in Europe and the Middle East, George Aivazoglouspoke to Spanish media and was reassuring, stressing how only intention The best league on the planet is to evolve the “product” of European basketball, without aiming to “undermine” Euroleague, but instead through the cooperation with her.

‘Although we are in a phase of investigation, the intention is us to find a way to review and redesign the European basketball. The goal is to build a collaboration, and I would like to emphasize that FIBA’s role is to help in development and the progress of the sport. We obviously recognize the great job that the Euroleague In recent decades and we have spoken with the organization several times.

Ever since I am in the NBA, we have sat at least three times at the same table as the Euroleague and FIBA ​​to discuss the situation, and just two weeks ago I talked to him Euroleague CEO. We reiterate that we are open to collaborations and alliances. Our only intention is to reach the European basketball at the level it deserves between the sports in the continent‘he mentioned, among other things, about the “NBA Europe” project.

In addition to the above, Aivazoglou also commented on other issues. Asked about the opportunities that other teams will have each year to participate in the new event, it was clear: “Wouldn’t it be great if all the teams had the opportunity to qualify? Today, the Unicha Malaga or PAOKfor example, have clear restrictions where not only does the rendering And the racing value. “

Finally, he talked about the constant leak of players from the Europe to NCAA and reported: “For this very reason, we must not underestimate the economic dimension of sport. If you can create more value, you can return it to collective development programs, and offer more opportunities for young players to live from the sport. More value (commercial and economic) must be produced for all members of the ecosystem so that everyone can benefit. ”