THE Ergkin Ataman was publicly placed for the “opening” of NBA In Europe and rumors of the creation of a European League – Arsalist at EuroLeague – under the “umbrella” of the top championship.
Speaking to “Anadolu Agency”, Ergkin Ataman recognized NBA’s power in marketing, but described a new league plan as “utopian”, calling for FIBA - Euroleague – NBA cooperation for the good of world basketball.
Specifically, the Panathinaikos coach said:
“There are many different events. National team events are causing a problem, as NBA and Euroleague players cannot compete in them.
FIBA and Euroleague have been in against for years. Euroleague has become one of the best leagues in the world, not just in Europe. It’s more fun than NBA.
However (Euroleague) has not managed to create value at the financial level. There are serious problems with the budgets of the teams. At this point, I think the power of NBA marketing will help Euroleague. If NBA supports Euroleague only at marketing level, it will help. But I don’t think the NBA plan to create another league has a basis.
There are rumors that football clubs such as Manchester United and Paris Saint -Germain will be in the NBA league. This is utopian. These are football teams. There are not enough players in Europe to supply so many teams. I think more is a fiba against Euroleague.
I think if EuroLeague becomes more effective in marketing and there is an agreement on the calendar with NBA and Euroleague to play the players with the national, then FIBA has to leave this counter and focus on national teams. That would be good for everyone. “