Euroleague CEO still open to NBA Europe deal, warns against market fragmentation

Euroleague CEO Chus Bueno remains open to discussions with the NBA regarding a potential partnership in Europe, but cautions against market fragmentation. The league rejected an NBA collaboration proposal at an owners meeting in Italy on October 6, ahead of the NBA's plans to launch a new European league in 2027. Bueno warned that competing leagues would harm the basketball market and stated that the Euroleague would not welcome two rival competitions.

The Euroleague currently has 13 shareholder clubs, with plans to expand to 24 clubs, potentially tripling its value to €5.4 billion and increasing the league's worth to €7.98 billion over the next decade. Bueno believes the prospect of Euroleague clubs joining NBA Europe is unlikely, as the risks involved would be too great for the teams.