Will the NBA eventually establish itself in Europe? The rumor of the creation of a league independent of the Association in Europe resurfaced at the beginning of November 2024. Indeed, according to the Serbian media Meridian Sportthe NBA would be “ very close to a final decision to form a separate league on the Old Continent, in direct communication with the biggest clubs ».
When Ergin Ataman (Panathinaikos) leaks some clues?
What changes compared to the latest information on the subject is the second part of the quote (“in direct communication with the biggest clubs”) taken from the Serbian news site. At the start of 2024, the EuroLeague and the NBA came together to address the subject, without arriving at a concrete project. And this Tuesday, November 12, Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman delivered a rather surprising statement regarding the NBA and Europe: “Maybe they [la NBA] will invite us to play in the NBA. So be careful EuroLeague. Maybe you could lose Panathinaikos in the future to go play in the NBA.”
The independent NBA league in Europe could operate on the same model as the BAL (Basketball African League), created in 2020 with the support of the NBA and FIBA. If the NBA decides to go it alone, without involving the EuroLeague, the European landscape could be turned upside down. But in a case as vast as this one, which could last a few more years, many twists and turns could still occur.
EuroLeague champions’ head coach Ergin Ataman thinks the NBA could invite Panathinaikos to play in the league 😁☘️ pic.twitter.com/kUBJ1J1tYg
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) November 12, 2024
