A Fresh Chapter for Alba Berlin: Euroleague Sidelined, Champions League Ahead
Berlin Alba Excluded from Euroleague Participation - Berlin Alba is no longer part of the Euroleague competition.
Alba Berlin bids adieu to the Euroleague and hello to the Champions League next season. The Berlin-based team will participate in the tournament organized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), while the Euroleague, run by a private sports organization, remains in competition. The two organizations have had their differences for years.
Alba Berlin has spent the last 24 years under the Euroleague banner, with 12 years in the Euroleague and 12 years in the Eurocup. Last season, they managed a spot in the strongest European basketball league due to a wildcard but found it tough to keep up, both on the court and financially. With only five wins in 34 games this season, Alba finished last in the standings.
"Embarking on a new era, we're adapting to the changing European basketball landscape with the Basketball Champions League," commented Alba's managing director, Marco Baldi. Baldi referred to the increasing budgetary requirements and costs for a starting spot in the Euroleague, which have dramatically changed over time.
The NBA Makes Inroads in Europe
Meanwhile, the NBA is making its mark on the European market and plans, in collaboration with FIBA, to establish a joint league in Europe. The exact format of this league is yet to be clarified, but Alba's decision could be seen in connection with this development. "We're optimistic about the growth of European competitions under the FIBA umbrella," Baldi affirmed.
For the upcoming season, only one German club, Bayern Munich, will feature in the Euroleague, increasing its spot as shareholders of the league. This season, Bayern Munich narrowly missed the playoffs after losing to Real Madrid in the crucial Play-In game.
As for the NBA and FIBA's joint league in Europe, while no timeline has been set, plans are being discussed for a 16-team competition. Alba Berlin, as a prominent European club, could be a potential target for future involvement in the league, given the NBA's interest in attracting top European teams.
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- In the upcoming season, Alba Berlin, the Berlin-based basketball team, will participate in the Basketball Champions League, hosted by FIBA, transitioning from the Euroleague.
- Given the increasing financial requirements and costs for a spot in the Euroleague, Alba Berlin's managing director, Marco Baldi, expressed optimism about the growth of European competitions under the umbrella of FIBA.
- Meanwhile, the NBA, in collaboration with FIBA, is planning to establish a joint league in Europe, with Alba Berlin, a prominent European basketball club, potentially being a target for future involvement.
- Despite not specifying a timeline, plans are being discussed for a 16-team competition, with the NBA and FIBA's joint league in Europe aiming to attract top European teams, such as Alba Berlin.
