EuroLeague CEO: 'If there is no agreement, we must continue our plans'

In a recent statement, EuroLeague CEO Tchous Bueno openly shared his views on the future of European basketball ahead of the arrival of NBA Europe. He confirmed that EuroLeague is preparing for both scenarios: collaboration or direct competition with the NBA-operated league, which is scheduled to launch in 2027. "If there is no agreement, we are forced to continue our own plans," Bueno said in an interview with Reuters. NBA Europe is expected to bring a fresh wind to European basketball, with a projected investment of $10 billion in its first decade of operation. This figure far exceeds EuroLeague's current financial scale, creating unprecedented pressure on the oldest basketball league in Europe. However, Bueno remains undeterred. He points out that EuroLeague possesses an irreplaceable advantage: over 100 years of history and deep-rooted local club identity. "We have built relationships with fans for over a century. That is an intangible asset that no new league can buy with money," Bueno emphasized. He also revealed that EuroLeague is preparing for expansion to strengthen its position before NBA Europe officially launches. Regarding the possibility of collaboration, Bueno said that he and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver have had several meetings. Silver once called Bueno "my friend" but acknowledged there are still "points of friction." Bueno stressed that any agreement must benefit both sides, not just the NBA. "If only one side benefits, that is not sustainable cooperation," he said. However, if no agreement is reached, both sides are ready for direct competition. Bueno warned that the coexistence of two leagues would lead to value fragmentation across multiple dimensions: institutional, commercial, television rights, and fan engagement. "Value will be fragmented, and that is not good for anyone," he said. Expert analysis suggests that NBA Europe, with its massive financial resources, could attract top European players and clubs. This directly threatens the current EuroLeague ecosystem. Major clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Fenerbahce may face a difficult choice: stay with EuroLeague or join NBA Europe for access to larger revenue streams. For fans, the arrival of NBA Europe could bring higher-quality games, but it may also erode the local identity that characterizes European basketball. Bueno believes fans will remain loyal to traditional clubs, but that may not hold true in the long run. FIBA, the most powerful organization in world basketball, has yet to make an official statement on NBA Europe. However, observers suggest that FIBA could act as a mediator or intervene if conflicts of interest escalate. In the past, FIBA has had disagreements with EuroLeague over national team schedules. With the 2027 deadline approaching, the pressure to negotiate is increasing. Bueno and Silver both understand that a cooperative agreement would be better for the overall development of European basketball. But if they cannot find common ground, a market battle will be inevitable. The ultimate question remains: Can EuroLeague withstand the financial power of the NBA? Or will we witness a historic merger, creating a unified and powerful European basketball league? Time will tell. This article is based on analysis from Reuters and expert opinions. The event is drawing attention from the entire basketball community, from executives and players to fans. All eyes are on the negotiations between the two most powerful organizations in world basketball.