By Aris Barkas
On Monday Euroleague CEO Jordi Bertomeu hosted in Barcelona FIBA president Yvan Mainini, FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann and FIBA development director Zoran Radovic. As we were informed in a official press release “both parties have agreed on most of the points discussed and will continue conversations in the following months”.
Even though Euroleague does not want to take sides in the current Eurobasket dispute between FIBA Europe and FIBA, it’s more than obvious that the top European club competition likes the idea of the four year Eurobasket cycle with a summer of rest for the players. After all by next season the Euroleague calendar will be longer due to the new Top 16 structure with two groups of eight teams playing two games with each other.
The bottom line is that the four year cycle is a decision that probably will be approved by FIBA central board in November and the objections of FIBA Europe have been heard. As Mainini said in the second part of his interview that was posted on FIBA website: “FIBA Europe have said they would like to maintain two continental championships (in a four-year cycle). I am a European myself. I know they have a good system and the latest EuroBasket in Lithuania with 24 teams was a resounding success. So I can feel and understand their reaction. But we can’t stop there. Firstly, we need to understand what are the growth rates of the current system and we have seen some alarming signs in the recent past, and that is without mentioning the current economic crisis which we all face and will last for quite some time. Secondly we can’t consider global basketball by looking at just one continent. I believe people will see the global and overall interest to be had with this new competition system. Everyone has something to gain in this situation. This new system is about diversifying our growth opportunities, strengthening our national federations, not about FIBA and its zones. There are options to keep two continental championships, but they will face other challenges with the rhythm. At the same time, in the year that would see the summer dedicated to Women, FIBA’s Zones and National Federations are free to hold continental tournaments for the men as they see fit. We have no objections to them doing so. But eventually, as is the case in football, it is the FIBA Central Board that needs to decide on the World Calendar. From there all options are open for all stakeholders to fill the open spots, including for Europe”.
In theory FIBA Europe will still have the right to organize Eurobasket every two years. That does not mean that FIBA Europe’s wish will be automatic granted as Mainini explains: “We discuss with our member national federations and they all agree that in order to accelerate the growth and interest in basketball worldwide on a long-term basis, the status quo is not an option. We’re also talking with the NBA and the Euroleague and hold open discussions with them. Globally, the discussion has already been very positive as it allows for a good debate about our sport and future opportunities. The idea of the new system of competition has been well received and is understood because it is completely coherent with our long-term strategy. Finally, we are discussing this with our corporate and broadcast partners. They all concur that we need to review our system, innovate and move forward if we want to be ready for future challenges”.