EuroLeague Rejects NBA Proposal; Giannakopoulos Calls for CSKA Return
EuroLeague team owners meeting in Como rejected an initial NBA proposal while discussing expansion and franchise status. Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos called for CSKA Moscow's immediate return to the league.
The managers and owners of the 13 armored EuroLeague teams met yesterday (Tuesday) in Como, Italy, to decide on several issues. Attendees decided to reject the NBA's initial collaboration proposal and approved plans to expand the tournament and grant franchise status to additional teams without yet choosing which ones.
In addition, Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos used the platform to deliver a message—stating his view that CSKA Moscow should return to the EuroLeague immediately. Like the other Russian teams, CSKA was expelled from the EuroLeague four and a half years ago following the invasion of Ukraine, but the club still continues to participate in EuroLeague meetings as one of the 13 armored members.
Giannakopoulos posted a picture on his Instagram account alongside CSKA Moscow president Andrey Vatutin, with Maccabi Tel Aviv chairman Shimon Mizrahi appearing on the side of the photo. Giannakopoulos wrote: "Some teams opposed the NBA proposal. The only logic is either they feel they are getting good treatment today, or they think they won't be chosen as one of the participants, or both.
"What I will say is that first of all, CSKA needs to return. Despite the rivalry on the court, Real Madrid, Panathinaikos, and CSKA are European basketball. Without them, there is no true European champion."
