Jordi Bertomeu says Dubai isn't a new idea, blasts FIBA strategy / News - Basketnews.com

Former EuroLeague CEO Jordi Bertomeu claimed that he was the first to make contact with Dubai for a potential partnership back in February, admitting that the competition must enter new markets for its growth.

Credit: Imago Images – Scanpix Credit Imago Images – Scanpix

Former EuroLeague CEO Jordi Bertomeu took part in Marca's radio show El Programa de Ortega, where he talked about his life after 22 years in EuroLeague, Dubai's project, FIBA's strategy, and other topics.

The 63-year-old said he's enjoying the calmness but, at the same time, thinking about new opportunities in life.

"I'm quite relaxed now, thinking about my next professional steps," Bertomeu told Marca. "I have been overwhelmed in the last 22 years. There are many things to do when you manage a competition like the Euroleague."

Bertomeu was removed from the EuroLeague CEO role this summer after 22 years in charge. The Spanish executive said he feels proud of the job he has done but feels that he needed just a little bit more time.

"I feel proud of what we did in the EuroLeague as a team. We changed European basketball and its structure. I would have loved to finish the program I had planned," Bertomeu admitted. "In 3-4 years, we could have done it."

"But overall, if you take a look at where basketball was at the beginning of the century and where it is right now, the balance is extremely positive. We have built a basketball culture and community in Europe. We increased the budgets and more than 200 TV channels are now broadcasting the games," Bertomeu added.

He also feels excited about Paris and London joining the Euroleague Basketball family, arguing that expanding the territories is one of the main EuroLeague goals.

"Euroleague has two main goals: expand the territorial map with long-term licenses and find business sustainability. We now have two teams from Paris and London, which is great. The clubs must change their short-term strategies because there is always a need to win. You can't manage anything with fear. These two things would have completed what I had in mind," Bertomeu admits.

The former EuroLeague CEO also revealed that he was the first to make contact with Dubai for a potential partnership in the future.

"Dubai is not a new idea from the new executive," Bertomeu claimed. "I began to talk about this possibility back in February. It could help to change the future of European basketball."

"We are not going to increase our resources here [in Europe], there [in Dubai] is a natural growth [opportunity]. If we want to make basketball bigger and improve the business, we have to enter new markets. And we are not strong in some of them," Bertomeu added.

As BasketNews reported on Wednesday, Dubai joined the race to host the 2022-23 EuroLeague Final Four.

Credit EuroLeague

Meanwhile, Bertomeu also criticized FIBA's stance regarding the qualifier windows, claiming that basketball fans are not interested in the product when the best players are unavailable.

"Fans are not concerned about arguments between FIBA and EuroLeague," Bertomeu stated. "You just need to take a look at the attendance in the last five years."

"People are more excited than ever. I can't understand how FIBA allows to play games without the best players. You know that 70-80 players will not be available to play. It does not make any sense. I have not seen any offer from them. Would [it] be better if we joined each other? I am not sure at all," he continued.

Dejan Bodiroga and Marshall Glickman took over Bertomeu in presidency and CEO roles, respectively. Asked about Bodiroga in particular, Bertomeu didn't elaborate too much.

"I wish Dejan Bodiroga the best in his new role. I really hope that he can do better than me," said Bertomeu.

Finally, Bertomeu was asked about the Russian clubs' possibility of returning to the EuroLeague. However, the Spanish executive couldn't tell the specific number of years or any additional information.

"As of now, we just need to wait. I can't expect them to return to the competition in the short term. If you turn on the TV, you see that things are still going on there," Bertomeu concluded.

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