![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="500px" width="950px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The head coach of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, Ettore Messina, addressed changes made to the Financial Stability & Fair Play Regulations, FSFPR, of Euroleague Basketball.
The announced enhancements include Competitive Balance Standards, CBS, to be introduced in the 2025-26 season and fully implemented by the 2027-28 season, similar to the NBA’s salary cap.
“First, this is not a salary cap,” clarified 65-year-old Messina in an interview with Basketball Sphere and Mozzartsport, published on Thursday, “We have that in the U.S. because all the revenues are put into one pot. That doesn’t exist in Europe.”
“I’m very interested to see what will happen with this because the most important thing about any rule or concept is how it is applied. In the NBA, even the smallest violation is detected and punished. The fact is that when we talk about Europe, we are talking about different countries, different tax systems, and different environments. I’m a little skeptical, although it’s important to create something sustainable,” he continued, “I fully understand the purpose and goal. I just don’t know if it is easily applicable.”
He was also asked about his interview with Eurohoops and mentioning the EuroLeague missing an opportunity to become a development league for the NBA. The discussion was before the league based in North America officially confirmed plans to expand to Europe.
“I didn’t want to downplay the role of the EuroLeague. At that time, we were on an important path, we had an alternative to develop players. What I see now is that it is no longer possible to focus on that because the level of competition is very high, and on top of that, the EuroLeague is a competition for veterans. It’s almost impossible to bring a player from the U.S. many topics need to be considered,” he revisited the topic.
“At this moment, salaries have drastically increased, and it is becoming more difficult to find a financial balance, regardless of which rule is in place. In economics classes, they teach you that if you want to find balance, you can’t put everything in one pot. You have to create a balance between what you earn and what you spend. If you have a higher income but expenses are rising, it’s hard to find balance. That’s another important thing we’ll have to talk about,” Messina added.
Confirming interest in the Old Continent, the NBA remains in contact with the Euroleague and FIBA.
“The most important thing is that we come to some conclusions and decisions through unity,” explained the Italian mastermind, “The only thing I can say is that we are still at a moment where each club has its own vision for the future. I hope we will soon reach a point where a common goal prevails. Of course, maximum respect for all clubs.”