By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
After many conflicting messages from both sides, FIBA, NBA Europe, EuroLeague management, and EuroLeague clubs/ shareholders met in Geneva with the FIBA initiative to discuss the future of European basketball.
Except for the EuroLeague committee, which is the EuroLeague working group on the matter, all EuroLeague clubs with an A license were represented, including CSKA Moscow attending via zoom, according to newer information.
This is the first meeting that was so extended, with EuroLeague marketing partner IMG also represented, while managing director of the NBA Europe and Middle East, George Aivazoglou, was present, as was FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis. FIBA Europe president Jorge Garbajosa and FIBA Europe executive director Kamil Novak.
Barcelona even shared on social media a photo of the meeting, confirming the club’s presence.
El Barça, amb 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩 𝐂𝐮𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 al capdavant, ha estat convidat a una reunió informativa organitzada per la FIBA a la seva seu a Ginebra. El FC Barcelona ha assistit, juntament amb altres clubs europeus, a una reunió on s’han exposat els plans de la FIBA a curt i llarg… pic.twitter.com/L3AV23Mmce
— Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) May 27, 2025
The general mood of the talks was positive, and subjects like the FIBA windows and the letter of clearance rule applied to the NCAA were on the table.
However, the EuroLeague clubs were also informed that they would have to pay a participation fee to enter the new project, which also created a level of skepticism between them.
With the NBA aiming to launch its European league in collaboration with FIBA in the 2026-27 it remains to be seen if that is the first step towards a joint future, or not.
