Basketball-Euroleague CEO says spirit of European game must be preserved as NBA tests waters

FILE PHOTO: Basketball - EuroLeague - Final - Real Madrid v Panathinaikos BC - Uber Arena, Berlin, Germany - May 26, 2024 Panathinaikos BC players celebrate with the trophy after winning the EuroLeague REUTERS/Annegret Hilse/File Photo

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Euroleague CEO Paulius Motiejunas said he wants to preserve the spirit of European basketball as his organisation faces potential competition from the ultra-powerful NBA.

The National Basketball Association is exploring the possibility of launching a European league in partnership with the sport's global governing body FIBA, Commissioner Adam Silver said last month.