His statement leaves little room for doubt. While FIBA seemed to be still waiting two weeks ago regarding the arrival of the NBA in Europe, Jorge Garbajosa is much more formal.
“ The NBA detected a weakness (in European basketball) and decided to come. We don't know when or how, but it will come. We wait. I am convinced that there is a reality because Adam Silver does not speak for the sake of speaking », says the Spaniard boss of FIBA Europe, in an interview for Marca.
David Kahn, president of Paris Basketball and former president of basketball operations for the Timberwolves, also brushed aside, a few days ago, the idea of a “ simple rumor » to speak of a “ project » very concrete.
“ They think there is a clear opportunity in Europe. With an excellent product, great teams, brands like Real Madrid, Panathinaikos or Fenerbahçe. Unsustainability is a threat. What is not sustainable disappears », continues Jorge Garbajosa, implying that the Old Continent would be under the influence of this “threat”.
Make it more attractive and commercial
He then asks: “ With a large mass of fans, public and private support, a great tradition, why don't we make it all more attractive and more commercial? »
There is no doubt that being able to associate European basketball with a brand as powerful as the Great League would have direct effects. The whole challenge is to know in what form this association could materialize. One thing is certain, the “gateway” to the NBA will be FIBA, and not the competing EuroLeague.
“ We are proud that they have declared that everything they organize in Europe will be done in collaboration with FIBA. The NBA considers FIBA's reputation to be at the highest level. They believe in FIBA », assures Jorge Garbajosa.
The latter takes the opportunity to scratch the Euroleague's decision to organize its 2025 Final Four in Abu Dhabi, therefore outside Europe. “ I'm not comfortable with this idea. It's a decision that the Euroleague makes and I'm not going to judge it. I think there are places in Europe where this can be done. If you have to leave your own Continent, you are not doing things right. »
