Ettore Messina believes the NBA and EuroLeague should work together to establish a single major European basketball competition rather than operate separate leagues.
The four-time EuroLeague champion discussed the potential introduction of NBA Europe during the European Basketball Advisory Group Business Conversations.
Messina emphasized that any agreement between the two organizations should also protect the existing traditions of European basketball.
“If the NBA and EuroLeague can eventually reach an agreement, one of the most important things will be to preserve the soul of the competition we have in Europe,” Messina said. “My hope is that EuroLeague and NBA Europe can find a way to come together around one common league.”
The NBA has been exploring plans to launch a new competition in Europe while continuing negotiations with EuroLeague.
However, questions remain about how the proposed league would operate alongside existing European competitions.
Messina believes cooperation would provide a better solution than establishing another independent competition.
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The experienced Italian coach recently returned to the NBA as a consultant for the Atlanta Hawks after spending several years working in European basketball.
