He mentioned both the good and the bad things in Euroleague.
“As I was saying, this is an area of the business that we can improve. And the market, in that sense, is changing. And not only in Europe but worldwide. We are analyzing it and talking to IMG. Exploring new ways to sell our product, how to generate more revenue. And, most importantly, reaching the fans so they can see us. We know we have great potential markets in France, especially in Paris, and we’re lucky to have a Eurocup champion there this year. We have a great new club in London, the Lions, who are in the top 4 in Eurocup as well, so that’s good. And we have Berlin, which is our key market, so we need to grow in these key markets to boost television rights together.”
He talked about how television rights revenues are not as high as they could be.
How can the NBA help the Euroleague?
“It’s not about helping because both competitions are strong. It’s about making it easier for fans to watch the games. I like to always use the example of the pie. We have to make the pie bigger, not fight against each other to see who has more viewers or which competition is better.”
After that, he mentioned the relationship with FIBA.
“I think we are making progress. Last year, we reached an agreement and stopped the EuroLeague for the national team windows. Let’s say it was my first agreement in the role. We have had constant meetings this year to continue collaborating and, in line with what I said, make the pie bigger, make it better for everyone. Like with the NBA, everything takes time. But I would say we are moving forward and we are reaching fruitful negotiations to help each other.”
About the national team windows next season.
“Yes, it’s one of the options.”
After that, he was asked who won’t be in the EuroLeague next season among the teams that played this season.
“Unfortunately, between Alba Berlin, Virtus, the two teams from Belgrade, and Valencia, one will have to drop because Paris will be in. They all have a 20 percent chance of dropping. The teams are equal to us, and it will be the partners who make the decision. Valencia has had a great regular season and is also building a new, very attractive arena. It’s incredible, a big step for the club. They are doing great things, very positive. Valencia is a club of the future in the EuroLeague, but it’s true that next year is what it is, and there is a one in five chance of it being left out.”
When will the final decision be made?
“Normally, the list of teams is given after the Final Four in mid-June.”
“It’s one of the options on the table. And while it’s being discussed, I can’t say if it’s happening or not. There are many things that need to be resolved. Of course, it’s one of the pending issues, like the national team windows and other things.”
About the current Euroleague format and whether there will be any changes in the future.
He responded to whether CSKA will leave the competition if they are not allowed to play.
“Until the war ends, we won’t have the opportunity to sit down and talk. There must be security conditions for his return. They are an owners, they’re only suspended from playing. There’s no set deadline because all the timelines we discuss are connected to the war. Only when the war ends can we talk. Before that, there’s nothing to discuss.”
He also responded to whether it’s difficult to manage the situation with Maccabi Tel Aviv and their playing in Belgrade.
“It’s very challenging, but I believe everyone has done a good job so that they can keep playing, including the Serbian government to have a venue in Belgrade and the rest of the clubs. It’s not easy, but likewise, we hope the conflict ends soon. Our goal is for the team to play their home games. Safety and ending the war are the priorities.”
He also talked about whether Barcelona will be able to host the Final Four in 2025.
“It was publicly stated that Barcelona, Abu Dhabi, and other countries made offers to host the Final Four. We are considering everything. Barcelona is obviously one of the candidates. I can’t say more, but this is something that was public, and we don’t deny it. We have the offer, and we are in discussions.”
“I would like to be polite about this matter. It’s not our decision. We have no issue with this matter.”
He also mentioned whether he is satisfied with the work of Daniel Hierrezuelo, the head of Euroleague referees.
“He is just starting, like me. I am glad to have a new agent in the organization with fresh ideas.”
He also commented on whether it’s important for the Euroleague that players like Facundo Campazzo, Ricky Rubio, and the Hernangomez brothers return from the NBA.
“I spent 20 years working in a club, so I know the players and the agents. It’s a disaster for a great Euroleague player to go to the NBA to sit on the bench. Look at the example of Micic. When he returned, he was on the bench in the NBA and at the end of the season, he was the MVP of the competition. So when I see players, I tell them that I forbid them to go to the NBA to sit on the bench because for me, as a fan, and the rest of the fans, what matters is to see their talent.
I understand the dream of going to the NBA but if you go and sit on the bench and only make money, nobody sees your talent. So I always say it’s better for Campazzo to be here leading Real Madrid than on the NBA bench. Or seeing Ricky Rubio go from team to team in the NBA… Coming back home, with his people, is great news. It makes me happy when players like Pau Gasol or Ricky Rubio end their careers at Barca. Or Sabonis back in the day.”
About which market in Europe has the most potential.
“Right now, we are focused on Berlin, Paris, and London in Europe. Germany, Great Britain, and France. These are the most mature markets.”
About the situation with Unicaja and a possible return to the EuroCup.
“Technically, I see no reason why they can’t return to the Eurocup. They have always been a great team. I’ve been to Malaga many times, I know the people who have been there. It’s a great city with a great arena, great players. Unicaja is a great organization. They made the decision to go to the FIBA Champions League. I don’t see why they can’t come back if they decide to join the Eurocup. The doors have always been open for Unicaja.”
When talking about arenas, he also responded to what’s happening with the Palau Blaugrana since it doesn’t meet EuroLeague standards.
“Yes, it’s a big concern for us because they are owners and they have to have a 10,000-seat arena, so we were expecting the start of the Nou Palau and now there’s a delay. We are in talks with the club to push or know where they can play as soon as possible. We have the example of Asvel, who have a new arena where they play some specific games.
We have also asked Barcelona to choose a number of specific games and play them at the San Jordi to see how it goes. They have to move to a new arena. For us as a league, it’s a huge disadvantage. We know it’s always full but I think they can also fill the Sant Jordi,” Paulius Motiejunas said.