By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, touched on several topics in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, including ongoing talks between Euroleague Basketball and FIBA with the NBA, namely the NBA Europe plans.
“The NBA is looking to establish a presence in Europe, and if that happens, the matter of Arenas and ‘Palaus’ must be considered very seriously,” he drew connections to the current projections for a new home for the basketball division of Barca, also noting a draft project for the Nou Palau Blaugrana in the second quarter of next year, relays insider Marc Mundet.
“We won’t share ownership of the new arena with anyone,” he added, “We have to keep in mind the possibility of a change in competition. The New Palau might meet the requirements of the NBA — just in case.”
Laporta, 63, also shared an NBA Europe update on the current status of discussions between the involved parties.
“Talks are quite advanced. I can’t reveal the final structure; there are several options. There’s an agreement with Euroleague. I know the NBA and Euroleague are talking, and the NBA and FIBA as well. We’re hearing what they tell us,” he said.
The well-documented plans of a potential expansion to Europe have been combined to talks between the stakeholders over recent months, but lacking concrete details on participating teams and league structure. NBA Europe is expected to launch in two or three years, as recently projected by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
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