"The EuroLeague is not going anywhere!" CEO on potential NBA partnership: Clubs want in, but not at that price

Pulse Sports Team 15:18 - 29 October 2026

The EuroLeague is open to partnering with the NBA, but only on the clear condition that everyone is involved in the decision-making process, insists CEO Chus Bueno.

In an interview with Spanish media, Bueno explained that rejecting the NBA's initial proposal has not closed the door to future collaboration.

"If they want to expand into Europe and form an alliance with us, the clubs must be part of that framework, and the figures must be open to negotiation. The clubs are open to the idea, but they want everyone included and to find the best way forward without having to invest such massive sums of money," Bueno stated.

According to news agency EFE, the initial offer envisioned distributing more than €500 million among the shareholder clubs, while each participating club would be required to invest €440 million.

The EuroLeague CEO declined to comment on those figures.

"If there are other proposals from the NBA, our lines of communication remain open, but we will continue to develop the EuroLeague model."

He emphasized that the clubs want to control their own destiny.

"If franchises invest 500 million and make 240 million over ten years, they are still down 260 million. In our structure, there is no such initial capital outlay. Whatever they earn—whether it's 100 or 200 million—is pure return."

He also stressed his desire to avoid further fragmentation in European basketball.

"The EuroLeague and EuroCup are not going anywhere. Several clubs have already told me: 'If you strike a deal with the NBA and leave us out, we will form our own competition.' If we don't resolve this for everyone, we'll simply end up with even more rival tournaments, whatever they may be called."