Four-time EuroLeague champion Ettore Messina has warned that the NBA’s proposed European competition could create additional problems if it launches without an agreement with EuroLeague.
Speaking at the second edition of the European Basketball Advisory Group Business Conversations, the 67-year-old Italian coach discussed the challenges facing European basketball as the NBA considers establishing its own league on the continent.
“If the NBA launches its own league in Europe without an agreement with the EuroLeague, while the Basketball Champions League also continues, fragmentation will become an even bigger problem. We need to find a balance,” Messina said.
The former Olimpia Milano head coach believes the introduction of another major competition could further complicate an already divided European basketball structure.
The NBA and EuroLeague have been discussing potential cooperation, although an agreement has yet to be reached.
Messina, who recently joined the Atlanta Hawks as a consultant, believes the organizations should work toward a solution rather than operate competing competitions.
