Euroleague “remains open to talks with the NBA over a potential tie-up in Europe,” with CEO Chus Bueno “warning that competing leagues would fragment the continent’s basketball market.” The league previously “rejected an NBA collaboration” on Oct. 6. Bueno on Monday said, “If they decide to (enter into the market), it’s going to be a disaster. And they know, we know, and we don’t want that.” He added, “We had some conversations after Como. And the position of the owners was very clear. We will always be open to listen, and to talk with the NBA about any potential deal. But it has to make sense for us.” Of the current Euroleague license holders, “only 40% are sustainable.” However, Bueno said that it “would change going forward.” He said, “I think that in five years with this expansion, we could be in a position where most, if not all, of them will be (financially) sustainable.” Bueno also said that he “viewed the prospect of Euroleague clubs leaving to join NBA Europe as unlikely, arguing that the risks involved would be too great for the teams concerned” (REUTERS, 10/19).
