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Olgun Uluc: Also in my story: Basketball Australia is already in early talks on a home exhibition series ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Discussions are in the early stages; Greece, France, Spain, and Germany are among the potential opponents being targeted, sources told ESPN.
Olgun Uluc: The Australian Boomers are in advanced discussions to host Canada for a two-game exhibition series next August, sources told ESPN, as part of preparations for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Games are contingent on both teams qualifying for the WC; the Australian host city is TBD.
Meet Suhail, a shining and guiding star, the official mascot for the FIBA World Cup 2027. The international federation shared additional details anout the mascot on Tuesday. Per the press release: “With less than a year to go until the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, Suhail has been revealed as the official mascot of the flagship men’s competition in Doha, Qatar. Inspired by the main star that has guided brave people of the Gulf region to journey beyond the horizon, Suhail, which is also known as Canopus in Western culture, has watched over sailors, nomads, and pearl divers for centuries.
Fournier believes that European basketball needs a better financial model, but questioned whether NBA involvement would preserve the atmosphere that makes it distinctive. “I think Europe needs a better business model. At the same time, the atmosphere is incredible. If the NBA comes, it will want to change certain things. If you lose that, you will lose the craziness of European basketball. They’ll look at what works best from a business perspective, with teams in attractive cities like London, Manchester and Rome. Personally, I don’t see it.”
Fournier was also asked about reported interest from the San Antonio Spurs before he extended his Olympiacos contract. He said any such discussions would have been handled by his agent. “I have no idea. My agent handles those things. I told him this would be my last stop. I don’t know whether that report is true.”
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The involvement of owners Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos has also stood out, particularly compared with his NBA experiences. “In the NBA, you barely have a relationship with the owners. The difference is huge. You see them once or twice a year. I don’t know how it works at other European teams, but here they’re always present. They trust the coach, management and players, and they give us freedom. They’ve invited me to their homes. I went to Giorgos’ house in Mykonos, and I also had a meal with Panagiotis there.”
A viral social media craze has intersected with massive ambitions of Panathinaikos Aktor owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos. On Sunday evening, the 52-year-old Greek businessman once again captured attention with a digital nod toward NBA superstar Nikola Jokic. Joining an artificial intelligence trend that transforms public figures into Playmobil toy characters, he shared a cartoon figure of himself at a desk pondering the budget needed to lure the Denver Nuggets center to Athens. The post reflects his public admiration for the Joker. The Greens boss ranks the Serbian superstar among the top players of all time and wants him to suit up for the Greek team.
The NBA is moving forward with plans to launch a new league in Europe, widely referred to as NBA Europe. Commissioner Adam Silver detailed the blueprint during a CNBC appearance in Macao, where the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks opened the NBA China Games 2026 on Friday. “It’s like any negotiation. It’s ongoing,” he said regarding discussions with continental stakeholders. “We’ve been going back and forth with Euroleague. They’re the existing pan-regional league right now in Europe. On top of that, there’s leagues in every country. It’s hard to believe there are 1,200 professional clubs in Europe. So, EuroLeague is the top-tier competition right now.”
Tony Parker: "But if I have one regret in my career, it's that Joakim didn't play for the French national team more often, because unfortunately he had injuries that kept us from becoming Olympic champions. Because I'm convinced that if Jo hadn't gotten injured in 2012, I think we could have won a gold medal."
The NBA and FIBA released a joint statement on Thursday. Per the press release: “A partnership between the EuroLeague, FIBA and the NBA to unify the European basketball ecosystem would unlock the game’s enormous potential across Europe for the benefit of clubs, players and, most importantly, fans. The NBA and FIBA remain committed to moving forward with a new professional men’s league in Europe and helping build a stronger, more sustainable basketball ecosystem alongside partners who share our vision of growth, opportunity and the core principles of the European sports model.”
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According to reports, the offer was not considered acceptable even as an initial basis for negotiations. Financial terms remain undisclosed, but shareholders reportedly believe the proposal does not adequately reflect the value of their existing organizations. An exchange during the meeting highlighted the dissatisfaction among some participants. “We have to show the NBA respect”, one participant reportedly said. “What kind of respect is the NBA showing us with such an offer?” came the response.
Several prominent EuroLeague shareholders reportedly want to maintain communication with the NBA despite widespread dissatisfaction with its initial cooperation proposal. Real Madrid, Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos, ASVEL and Bayern Munich are among the clubs interested in keeping negotiations open. These organizations represent markets that have been publicly identified as potential destinations for NBA Europe franchises.
The NBA’s proposed European competition continues attracting interest from potential investors, with some franchises expected to command valuations reaching $1 billion. Eric Menell, global co-head of sports at JPMorgan, discussed the financial expectations surrounding the project during Sportico’s Invest London event. “I have the highest degree of confidence we will hit $1 billion for franchises in certain markets, a true $1 billion,” he said at Sportico’s Invest London event on Tuesday.
Lu Dort says winning Olympic gold for Canada would mean more to him than winning an NBA title Ibaka: “Winning the NBA title or winning Olympic gold?” Dort: “I’d say winning a gold medal because Canada gave my family a great opportunity to have a better life.” Ibaka: “Winning a gold medal is more important than an NBA championship…” Dort: “Yes.” Ibaka: “Wow, okay.”