Euroleague CEO: NBA is following the money solely
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Speaking Tuesday on the “Leaders Worth Knowing” podcast, Euroleague CEO Paulius Motiejunas said the NBA is “following the money solely,” implying the American league has a commercial-first agenda that is the polar opposite of the Euroleague’s basketball-first approach. “We definitely appreciate the way that the NBA’s running the business in the U.S. and how amazing they grow the product, whether it’s the TV contract that they signed and there’s many, many things,” Motiejunas said. “But we need to understand it’s Europe. And we have this know-how that we can sit down and share [with the NBA] … It is just a matter of goodwill and listening to each other."
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In addition, almost 90% of European basketball teams are ineligible to compete in the Euroleague, whereas every team could potentially qualify for NBA Europe — a development that could ultimately turn NBA Europe into the top-tiered league on the continent, supplanting Motiejunas’ league. For his part, Motiejunas said “it’s fair to say” he has had no recent discussions with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver or Tatum, adding discussions between the two entities are “not as deep and not as far” as he had wished. Sources, however, maintain the NBA has met multiple times with Euroleague over the past several months, including a public chat --posted on Instagram--between Motiejunas and Silver in Abu Dhabi this early October. Sports Business Journal | Nov. 14, 2025
Olympiacos and Panathinaikos both have history and tradition, but only one of them, on paper, could have a guaranteed spot in the new NBA league. According to several Greek media outlets, Panathinaikos has recently been in contact with the NBA during its preseason games in Abu Dhabi. On paper, PAO has everything the NBA is looking for: a large, newly renovated arena, a prestigious and well-known brand, and owners willing to invest the resources needed to build an increasingly ambitious roster. BasketNews | Nov. 13, 2025
How could there be an agreement between the two entities after the statements of Paulius Motiejunas, head of the Euroleague? (1). Tony Parker: I hope they reach an agreement. Ultimately, if we have to choose between NBA Europe and the EuroLeague, I've always said we'll choose NBA Europe. Because for me, the NBA is the biggest brand in the world, and I want to be a part of it. Le Progres | Nov. 13, 2025
While you have done everything, since you became president of Asvel (2014), to be in the Euroleague… Between 2016 and 2019, there were no French clubs in the EuroLeague, and of course we wanted to join so there would be one at the highest level. That's what we did. But then, I knew very well that the NBA would come one day, and that's why we did everything we could to be ready for the NBA. Le Progres | Nov. 13, 2025
While acknowledging the prestige of the EuroLeague, Messina drew attention to the league’s underlying financial and structural strains. “In the EuroLeague, we have a very high-quality product, with the level of play second only to the NBA playoffs,” he noted. “But when you read that Real Madrid loses $38 million for a season and you find yourself with low player turnover, you realize you have a serious economic problem.”EuroHoops.net | Nov. 9, 2025
Ettore Messina, head coach and president of basketball operations at Olimpia Milano, has weighed in on the growing discussions surrounding the NBA Europe project, offering a candid assessment of both the opportunities and the challenges facing European basketball today. Speaking to reporters this week, Messina emphasized the significance of Olimpia Milano’s potential involvement in the NBA’s European expansion plans. “The fact that Olimpia Milano is an important target for NBA Europe is significant for the owners, the city, and the history of the club,” Messina said. EuroHoops.net | Nov. 9, 2025
Kenneth Faried is the big man who will help cover the absences of Panathinaikos in the front line. Per Eurohoops sources, Faried is finalizing a deal with the Greens until the end of the season, and the Greek club has already bought out his contract with TSG GhostHawks from Taiwan. The “Manimal” returns to Europe after playing last season in Reggio Emilia and in the past for CSKA Moscow. EuroHoops.net | Nov. 7, 2025
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Euroleague CEO: NBA is following the money solely
