In the last few months, there has been an ongoing debate about FIBA’s new format concerning the national teams’ qualifying sessions.
More specifically, FIBA has scheduled a series of qualifying matches between the national teams in November and February, respectively, however the NBA and the EuroLeague disagree with this decision.
Concerning the NBA, the European players will probably be available during the off-season, namely between June and September, however they will not be allowed to play in the FIBA qualifiers during the season.
The same goes for EuroLeague clubs as well, because the organization will have to reschedule its plans for the season’s calendar, a situation that will make things more complicated.
For EuroLeague CEO, Jordi Bertomeu, FIBA and EuroLeague need to be on the same page, however they have to find a formula that will not affect neither the top European clubs nor the national teams.
But, Bertomeu believes that if FIBA doesn’t respect EuroLeague’s and the clubs’ decision on this issue, just like they will probably do with the NBA clubs, it will be very difficult for the two organisations to reach an agreement.
One way or another, though, this problem will be solved during the summer, as the FIBA qualifying sessions’ are expected to start in about six months.
Bertomeu has been also pleased with the revenue’s increase this season, thanks to the recent agreement with IMG.
This development is very important for the EuroLeague, as it helps the organization make the product more attractive for the fans and more lucrative for the clubs. EuroLeague’s CEO is expecting a bigger increase in the next few years and the same goes for Eurocup as well.
Last but not least, what remains to be seen is whether countries like Germany, for instance, will allow their teams to play in the Eurocup, instead of the FIBA Champions League, just like France did, a few months ago.
Overall, it seems that FIBA and EuroLeague have many issues that need to solve during the summer and what remains to be seen is whether things will change for the better in the next few months.
