Paulius Moteijunas on NBA Europe: If we form another league, with or without FIBA, it doesn’t help anyone

NBA Europe vs EuroLeague — why cooperation matters

The discussion about the NBA’s possible expansion into Europe has heated up, and EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas made his stance clear at a recent sports summit. He welcomed competition but warned that creating yet another top-level league — whether backed by FIBA or not — would only fragment the game and do more harm than good.

Motiejunas stressed that basketball itself should come before purely commercial thinking. He argued that treating the sport like a product to be monetized first risks damaging grassroots growth and the passion that drives fans and young players.

Focus on stability, fans and partnerships

Motiejunas also raised concerns about the long-term health of clubs, noting that only about a third of European teams are currently on stable footing. His message was that real progress comes from putting the fans and the sport at the center of decisions, rather than power plays behind closed doors.

He pointed to recent collaborations with partners in the Middle East as positive examples of bridge-building, saying those ties can help grow the game. In short: prioritize sustainability, work together openly, and let competition happen on the court rather than in boardrooms.

Interview highlights

Several coaches and players have been sharing thoughts around these topics. Here are some notable takeaways:

– Jaka Lakovic reflected on the intense influence of coach Zeljko Obradovic and how it keeps players mentally focused on basketball.

– Zlatko Jovanovic talked about staying true to his choices as his club pursues its ambitions.

– Sani Becirovic said his team is aiming high and planning for the next steps to reach elite levels.

– Levi Randolph shared that he understands the EuroLeague and hopes to play there again.

– Zac Seljaas emphasized the importance of family and his unique approach to the game.

– Aleksa Avramovic reminded everyone that defense is still a championship-building block.

– Nenad Dimitrijevic commented on the impact of coaching changes at big clubs.

– Ilona Korstin mentioned ongoing contact with both major basketball organizations and participation in key meetings.

– Bogdan Tanjevic contrasted two rival clubs, noting the continued influence of domestic players.

– Nicolo Melli and Bo McCalebb shared personal anecdotes about coaching styles and career decisions that shaped their journeys.

Overall, the common thread in recent conversations is clear: cooperation, club stability and putting fans first should guide European basketball’s next steps.