European basketball may be approaching a defining moment.
NBA Europe has put new investors, significant new capital, franchise structures and valuations at the centre of the discussion. EuroLeague Basketball now appears to be moving in a similar direction with EuroLeague Basketball+.
We welcome investment. We believe European basketball has enormous untapped potential.
But capital alone is not a strategy!
Before potentially billions are invested and structures are created that could shape European basketball for decades, we believe the basketball community deserves answers to some critical questions:
Who are the investors? What exactly are they buying? What does a European franchise mean? Who governs? Who has been involved in the decision making process? How will youth development, grassroots basketball, players and fans benefit? What happens when investors exit?
And ultimately: What is not for sale?
Recent developments in football show why these questions matter. Investment, ownership and governance cannot be viewed separately.
Our position is simple:
First define the European basketball model.
Then define its governance.
Then identify the investors who fit it.
We also believe that decisions of this magnitude require more transparent and effective communication with the basketball community.
The attached open letter sets out our questions and perspective.
We truly believe that the basketball community should be part of this conversation.
Respectfully,
European Basketball Advisory Group (EBAG)
