EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas has weighed in on the NBA and FIBA’s recent announcement regarding a new professional basketball league in Europe.
In an interview with L’Equipe, Motiejunas acknowledged the NBA’s growing interest in the European market but expressed disappointment that EuroLeague was not initially mentioned in the discussion. He emphasized that any successful venture would require collaboration with existing European basketball institutions.
The NBA and FIBA confirmed their intention to launch a European league following a joint statement after the NBA Board of Governors meeting in New York and the FIBA Executive Committee meeting in Switzerland. The league would feature both permanent franchises and teams qualifying through merit-based pathways while integrating into the existing European basketball structure.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver described the project as a natural step in the league’s global expansion. FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis highlighted European basketball’s historical significance, stating that the initiative aims to maximize club benefits and attract new audiences.
Motiejunas dismissed the idea that the NBA’s initiative was a direct challenge to the EuroLeague. “Good news is that everyone acknowledges European basketball’s growth,” he told L’Equipe. “We view it positively that the NBA wants to explore the European market with FIBA’s support.”
He stressed that EuroLeague is already a well-established competition with passionate fans, competitive teams, and a strong cultural presence. “We are strong, we grow every year, and we trust our product,” he said. However, he admitted frustration that EuroLeague was only mentioned late in the conversation, saying, “That offended me.”
Despite this, Motiejunas left the door open for cooperation, noting that EuroLeague has extensive experience in the region. “We know this market better than anyone,” he said. “We can always improve, whether alone or with NBA and FIBA.”
Reports have suggested that clubs such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Fenerbahce, and ASVEL might consider joining the NBA’s European venture. Motiejunas pushed back against these claims, stating, “No team has expressed interest in leaving EuroLeague.”
However, he acknowledged that clubs are willing to listen when the NBA is involved. “Of course, when the NBA speaks, everyone listens—including us,” he said. He also pointed to EuroLeague’s contract extension with IMG as a sign of stability but admitted not all teams have committed to renewing.
Motiejunas cast doubt on the viability of an NBA-backed European league without major EuroLeague clubs. “Do I believe a semi-closed new league without top EuroLeague teams could succeed? Honestly, no,” he said. He questioned the financial sustainability of such a venture, stating, “My 18 years of experience tell me it wouldn’t work.”
While acknowledging the NBA’s ability to create appealing business models, he noted that execution remains a challenge. “It’s easy to put a business plan on the table,” he said. “The hard part is making it work.”
The NBA’s European ambitions have attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which has reportedly discussed acquiring or forming a franchise. PSG could either purchase Paris Basketball or create a new team backed by investors.
The NBA’s expansion plans could reshape European basketball, with reports indicating a 16-team format featuring clubs from major cities like London, Milan, and Berlin. Some EuroLeague teams have been linked to the project, but no commitments have been confirmed.
Motiejunas remains confident in EuroLeague’s position and emphasized that any long-term success in Europe would require working with the continent’s established basketball institutions. The NBA and FIBA have promised further updates as discussions continue in the coming months.
