“ I think the question of the seriousness of the NBA should be asked of the NBA. » Or the art of returning the ball handled by Andreas Zagklis, the general secretary of FIBA. During a press conference, he was questioned about the potential expansion of the Great League in Europe.
“ Interest is evident and discussions are underway with FIBA. FIBA has a consistent approach », continues the manager, whose words are taken over by Eurohoopswithout really removing the existing vagueness around a project common to both parties.
For the record, during last summer, there was talk of the creation of a common championship in Europe. “ The level of interest in basketball there does not match commercial activities. […] For all of us, this is not just a business opportunity. […] If you can't demonstrate to the market that you can run a successful business, it's not sustainable “, warned Adam Silver.
Economic viability also defended on the European side. Andreas Zagklis believes that his entity must thus “ protect the work not only of a few clubs, but also of nearly 500 or 600 clubs “. Further discussions are due to take place next month on the issue, with “ serious conversations » involving all the partners concerned.
Looking at departures to the NBA or NCAA
While awaiting the creation of a potential new entity, FIBA seeks to strengthen the smooth functioning between the different parties involved when a player wants to cross the Atlantic to join the NBA or the NCAA.
“ We know that since the new club can only pay up to a certain amount, the question arises: what happens with the rest? (The player) Does he ask for a loan or negotiate lower buyouts? This is an area in which we can improve. This has been part of our discussions with the NBA for a long time. With the new CBA, there are fewer moving parts to this puzzle », Judge Andreas Zagklis.
The American university championship is also “ a growing concern for the various stakeholders » for manager, according to whom more and more young people are heading to the NCAA to develop.
“ In the first NCAA division, there are 806 international players. We must carefully analyze this trend. An increase in numbers is not always a cause for concern. Sometimes the NCAA is a good measure for players, but in other cases it's not ideal. Clubs may not receive compensation, or players may lack stable academic opportunities. We are only at the initial phase of our analysis », he finishes.
