Ex-EuroLeague CEO Bertomeu Skeptical of NBA's European League Plans
Former EuroLeague CEO Jordi Bertomeu has questioned the financial feasibility of the NBA's proposed European league, doubting massive valuations and entry fees.
Former EuroLeague CEO Jordi Bertomeu has expressed skepticism regarding the NBA's plans to establish a new European league, questioning the financial feasibility and high valuations associated with the project.
Skepticism Over Financial Valuations
Bertomeu addressed reports of entry fees ranging from $500 million to $1 billion, noting that such figures do not reflect the current economic reality of European basketball.
"In my opinion, the valuation estimates you mention do not correspond to the reality of basketball in Europe. If this is possible, the immediate result would be the almost universal replacement of current club owners by new investor owners," Bertomeu stated.
He added that existing basketball clubs lack the capital to meet these high valuations and questioned whether major football clubs would be willing to invest such massive sums into their basketball divisions.
Expansion Challenges and Past Efforts
Bertomeu also discussed past attempts to expand into untapped markets, particularly the United Kingdom. While acknowledging that previous efforts to establish a lasting presence in London fell short, he emphasized the importance of integrating major multi-sport brands, pointing to successful integrations like Bayern Munich in Germany and Fenerbahçe in Turkey.
