The new EuroLeague season begins in just under a week. FC Bayern is also back on board. However, it remains unclear whether this will also be the case in the coming years. Bayern boss Herbert Hainer has now confirmed to the press for the first time that he has been in contact with the creators of the NBA Europe project.
The Munich basketball club’s management is currently walking a fine line. In the EuroLeague, FCBB is fighting for more influence and still considers itself fortunate to now be among the holders of a permanent A license.
On the other hand, the NBA and FIBA are pushing into the European market with their own project, in which so many questions remain unanswered. A clear commitment to the EuroLeague could scare off the NBA makers; too much interest in the NBA Europe project is likely to upset the EuroLeague.
Bayern’s president, Herbert Hainer, was also cautious when asked about the issue. “First of all, I have to say that we are happy to be shareholders and not have to play with a wild card. The EuroLeague has developed enormously.”
Hainer confirms “close exchange” with NBA representatives
He said he had not heard “anything concrete” from the NBA or FIBA. Time frames, format, clubs – too many things are still uncertain. However, the 71-year-old ultimately avoided making a clear commitment to the EuroLeague. Instead, he confirmed contact with the rival project: “We are, of course, in talks with the individual stakeholders. I firmly believe that FC Bayern will also be involved in all discussions.“
When asked, Hainer provided further details. He said that they were in contact with Ingo Weiss, who, in addition to his role as DBB president, also holds the office of FIBA treasurer. They were also in ”close contact“ with ”the NBA people here in Europe.”
This is the first time that Bayern Munich has made such a statement. In January, Bayern’s sporting director Marko Pesic clearly expressed his support for the EuroLeague in an interview with basketball-world.news: “In my opinion, there is no reason to consider anything else. There is the EuroLeague with its many attractive brands, which will remain in the league.”