Moiyenouna: “The NBA Europe would create confusion and division”

Interview with the form of Q&A was given to “Athletic” by Euroleague CEO, Poultry!

Initially, it commented on the latest developments concerning the NBA’s attempt to expand to European basketball, as well as the possibility of cooperation, also talking about the future of the Euroleague, as well as the great talents leaving Europe for the sake of NCAA.

In detail what he said:



It seems that your relationship with NBA has been improving lately. Some time ago things were not good, but you also had the meeting in Geneva. Where are the relationship between NBA and Euroleague today?

“It was a positive meeting. It was the first time in many years since we were all at the same table. We must thank the World Federation for trying to put everyone on the same page. What we have heard is that the NBA is in an exploration phase, trying to understand how and what. We told them, as we did publicly, that we do not believe that a new league would help the market. We are ready to work together how and when to see it. We continue to grow, do our job and maximize basketball in Europe. I believe that this only benefits everyone. Next step I believe will be a new meeting around September, where we will be able to get into a deeper discussion on how we can work together ».

How could the NBA collaborate?

“NBA has a very strong picture. It can help with television rights, with sponsorships. We can grow the “pie” if we work together. Our message is always the same: we have to care about basketball and his basketball friend. If we can make better money than the game, and we believe that this NBA can be done, this is the power they can bring. Beyond that we have a huge basis of fans and 25 years of history. We tell them: Why not sit together and make decisions, instead of creating a new league from scratch? We are open to making decisions and working together to grow the “pie” and then split the piece ».

Would NBA invest in Euroleague?

“It must come from them, we can’t tell them ‘do it’. That is why we stopped or put the investment process to see how things will evolve with the NBA ».

Is there concern that the expansion of NBA in Europe is a threat to Euroleague?

“I don’t see it as a threat, but as a source of confusion. From the television contracts, sponsorships and the interest of the Euroleague teams, there seems to be no threat but confusion. This new league would create confusion, division. Just think: the sponsor goes and says “I support the NBA Europe”. And then we say “we are the Euroleague”. And then there is the Basketball Champions League, the Eurocup. We are not afraid to lose these fans because we believe we have the best product in the parquet. But if we want to grow up together and sell the product, when one opens the TV they won’t know if they see first, second or third level of event. This means we miss the opportunity to grow the product and bring the fans with us. “.

Do you have concerns about whether Type A groups can leave in another league?

“I’m very optimistic. There is confusion, the NBA is still exploring and talking for another 2-3 years. We continue to grow. Why leave one from an organizing event? We do what we can, we have made the right decisions, the numbers show it and the future will judge. I’m sure the teams recognize it and will stay with us. “.

Euroleague has expanded to 20 teams. What is the state of the league right now?

“We grow. The extension and Final Four of 2025 in Abu Dhabi were big steps. Although we added teams, we maintained the same calendar, which is important. We are 25 years old and just start. All numbers show growth: on the stadiums, outside of them, in sponsorship revenue ».

Why from 18 to 20 groups?

“There are many groups ready, with potential and the level of the event does not fall, it rises as much. When you see that the teams are ripe to play and join, this is an inevitable step. So we gave many years of contracts to have stability. ”



One of the groups with a multi -year card is Dubai Basketball. What does Euroleague gain from this cooperation and how do you intend to expand the relationship with the Gulf states?

“The first step was the Final Four in Abu Dhabi, which was successful. Dubai Basketball has achieved in the Adriatic League, and we find it right to open this market. In the Middle East basketball is growing quickly, there is financial support, as in other sports, and we believe that basketball is worth its place there. It is not exactly Europe, but not too far away. It is a gradual development and we are waiting for the next steps ».

You are looking for a private investment. Where is this attempt?

“He’s on hold, but he has not been abandoned. The reason is the possibility of working with NBA ».

Revenue has increased over four times the last 10 years. With the new TV rights agreements, how big can Euroleague’s financial size be?

“We have to become a top sport in Europe, something we are not yet. We have to compete with Formula 1, tennis. In the United Kingdom, for example, football is dominant after rugby and then everything else. But the number of those playing basketball is huge and the sport goes up. I don’t think there’s a limit ».

Many European players go to NCAA and can now be paid. Is this a problem for groups that develop talents? How do you manage it?

“We hope it is a short -term problem. Our goal is to play new players at Euroleague. Now they follow the NCAA path in the hope of playing on the NBA. But we know that only a few do it, so we believe they will return to Europe. This gap will close. It is bad for both the NBA and the players themselves, who now get a lot of money and may lose their passion for basketball. In addition, the convenience of changing universities without ending study makes the situation more difficult. “.

Is it difficult to compete with European teams that pay the most?

“Yes, now it’s crazy. It makes sense anymore to try to compete ».