Alba Berlin is hoping to obtain an A-license from the EuroLeague as early as this summer, according to the club’s sports director, Himar Ojeda.
Himar Ojeda told BasketNews that the “Albatrosses” have fulfilled all the requirements set by the EuroLeague, and it is a realistic scenario for them to become permanent members of the elite competition as soon as this summer.
“We will never spend more money than we earn. We don’t have anyone to inject money into the team. Our entire profit comes from ticket sales, merchandise… Mainly from the fans. Since we’ve been in the EuroLeague, we’ve always been ahead of Asvel. For three seasons, we’ve had a better performance than Panathinaikos. No one questions Panathinaikos and their model, but they’ve also had bad seasons. The EuroLeague is a demanding and tough competition.”
The sports director of Alba Berlin emphasizes that better days are ahead for the club from the capital of Germany.
“When you lose some players, it’s hard to immediately find a replacement. We believe in our young talents, but it takes time. I am convinced that in two or three years, this team can be competitive in the EuroLeague.”
Ojeda believes that Bayern is currently the favorite to win the Bundesliga, as was the case in the previous season.
“Bayern has three times the budget we have. They are the favorites. Last season, they had a budget twice the size of ours, and they’ve only increased it. If we manage to win the title in Germany, it will be a historic success. However, if we make it to the finals, that will be perfectly fine for us.”
Despite everything, Ojeda remains hopeful that Alba Berlin will receive an A license this summer.
“We have done everything in our power, and we expect to receive the A license this summer. It’s just a matter of time before it’s resolved. We have done everything that was required of us, and now it’s up to the EuroLeague to decide. We are confident that we will get the A license. If we don’t get it, it will be a really big surprise.
We are waiting for the assembly scheduled for June to see what decisions will be made. If we get the A license this year, it means we will have an extra million euros to spend on the roster.”