FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis ignited discussions about Andreas Zagklis EuroLeague expansion as he confirmed ongoing talks with the NBA and EuroLeague during a press conference before the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup final between Team USA and Germany 73-65 on July 7, 2025, in Lausanne, Switzerland.
His comments highlighted potential growth for European basketball and a collaborative NBA Europe project.
A Vision for European Basketball
Andreas Zagklis EuroLeague expansion discussions focus on balancing growth with stability.
Speaking to the media, Zagklis emphasized the need to enhance European club competitions without disrupting national leagues.
“We’re bringing stakeholders together,” he said, referencing a May 29, 2025, meeting with NBA and EuroLeague representatives, per Eurohoops.
The EuroLeague, set to expand to 20 teams in 2025-26, welcomed BC Dubai, a move Zagklis supported for its commercial potential.
He noted Europe’s untapped market, saying, “Basketball is punching below its commercial weight,” per Basketnews.
NBA Europe Collaboration
Andreas Zagklis EuroLeague expansion talks tie into the NBA’s ambition for a standalone European league.
Zagklis confirmed FIBA’s role in facilitating discussions, with a potential 16-team league launching by 2026-27, including 12 permanent clubs, per ESPN.
Tony Parker, president of ASVEL Villeurbanne, stressed, “We need a merger or partnership,” per Eurohoops.
Zagklis highlighted the inclusion of powerhouses like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, noting, “All clubs in Europe are FIBA clubs,” per The Athletic.
This could reshape the EuroLeague’s structure, with 13 permanent members under contract until 2035-36.
Addressing Calendar Conflicts
Andreas Zagklis EuroLeague expansion efforts also tackle scheduling issues. FIBA adjusted the 2025 EuroBasket calendar, adding an extra day off, per Eurohoops.
Zagklis acknowledged the strain of an eight-month season, suggesting a potential EuroLeague split to ease player fatigue. “We’ve surpassed tolerance levels,” he said, per Basketnews.
EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas echoed this, noting a shift to Tuesday-Thursday games in November to accommodate FIBA windows, per Eurohoops.
This compromise reflects progress since FIBA and EuroLeague’s 2022-23 scheduling disputes.
Key Stats and Facts
- EuroLeague Expansion: 20 teams planned for 2025-26
- NBA Europe Proposal: 16 teams, 12 permanent, by 2026-27
- FIBA U19 World Cup: Team USA won 73-65 vs. Germany
- EuroLeague Clubs: 13 permanent members, contract until 2035-36
- European NBA Players: 60, about 15% of the NBA
Expert Insight: A Unified Future
Basketball analyst Johnny Askounis from Eurohoops said, “Andreas Zagklis EuroLeague expansion talks show FIBA’s commitment to uniting stakeholders.
A collaborative NBA Europe could elevate the sport’s global reach while preserving EuroLeague’s legacy.” This Andreas Zagklis EuroLeague expansion effort aims to avoid fragmentation, per Eurohoops.
Strengthening European Basketball
Zagklis highlighted the Basketball Champions League (BCL), noting moves by clubs like ALBA Berlin and Gran Canaria to join, per Eurohoops.
He clarified, “The BCL is for national leagues, not just FIBA,” emphasizing its role in supporting domestic competitions.
The Andreas Zagklis EuroLeague expansion vision includes protecting 500-600 clubs across Europe.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver sees untapped potential, with 15% of NBA players from Europe, including stars like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, per ESPN.
Zagklis supports this, aiming to leverage FIBA’s expertise and NBA’s business acumen.
Avoiding Fragmentation
Andreas Zagklis EuroLeague expansion talks prioritize fan interests. Zagklis warned against a fragmented market, saying, “We must care about the product,” per Basketnews.
Motiejunas agreed, advocating collaboration over a new league, per Eurohoops. Posts on X, like those from @BasketNews_com, reflect optimism about these discussions, per X post.
Final Thoughts: Andreas Zagklis EuroLeague Expansion
Andreas Zagklis EuroLeague expansion efforts signal a transformative era for European basketball.
By fostering NBA and EuroLeague collaboration, Zagklis aims to balance growth with tradition, ensuring national leagues and clubs thrive.
His vision for a 16-team NBA Europe league, paired with EuroLeague’s expansion to 20 teams, could redefine the sport’s landscape.
Will Andreas Zagklis EuroLeague expansion talks lead to a unified, thriving basketball ecosystem? Comment your thoughts below.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis confirmed that the EuroLeague is part of the NBA Europe discussions 🤝
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 7, 2025
He also discussed EuroLeague's expansion and shares thoughts on BC Dubai's addition to the competition:https://t.co/qRYkeYMOrk
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