Latest news with #EuroleagueBasketball
Al Etihad
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Dubai club coach attends pre-season meet of EuroLeague Basketball
2 July 2025 22:59 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)As Dubai Basketball club prepares for a historic foray into EuroLeague Basketball, coach Jurica Golemac got to rub shoulders with his counterparts to prime up before their teams commence their rivalries on the second-most popular league in basketball held its annual workshops in Barcelona, with coaches gathering to continue the collaboration, open dialogue, and future-focused planning with the league's most influential three teams added and one team dropped for the upcoming season, the rookie representatives at the gathering, including Golemac, shared their excitement at being part of the new environment. 'The EuroLeague is the best competition in Europe and everybody wants to be a part of it,' Golemac said. 'It's very important to have these meetings, even more than once a year. It helps the organisation, the players, the referees and the coaches. And the fans!'The workshop was opened by Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga, who reflected on a remarkable 2024–25 season and thanked the coaches for their contributions to the continued growth of the competition.'I would like to congratulate everyone for the amazing season that we finished, also to the teams who qualified for the Final Four [held in Abu Dhabi in May], especially to Sarunas [Jasikevicius] and his season winners, Fenerbahce,' stated Dejan were outlined the organisation's strategic vision moving forward on sustainable growth, product quality, and deeper engagement with fans across digital platforms. 'Once again, we have taken the EuroLeague a step forward, celebrating record attendance, television and digital audience with an outstanding Final Four in Abu Dhabi, showing once again the Euroleague's tremendous potential to grow beyond its traditional markets,' stated Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO.
Wales Online
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
John McEnroe straight up tells Wimbledon star he should retire now after speaking to his wife
John McEnroe straight up tells Wimbledon star he should retire now after speaking to his wife John McEnroe has urged Fabio Fognini to call time on his professional tennis career after the Italian was beaten by reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court John McEnroe urged Fabio Fognini to call it quits early (Image: BBC ) John McEnroe believes that Fabio Fognini should consider retirement following his spirited defeat to Carlos Alcaraz on Monday. The Italian tennis star is currently in his final professional season, and McEnroe believes that his last Wimbledon appearance would be the ideal way to conclude his career. Fognini fought back twice from behind to force a fifth and decisive set against second seed Alcaraz. Despite not having secured a tour-level win this year, the seasoned player gave the reigning champion a hard battle and pushed him to his limits in the intense heat. The Centre Court crowd rallied around Fognini as he made his final bow at the All England Club, marked by a series of impressive trick shots, friendly exchanges and cheers of approval from spectators. McEnroe's desire for Fognini to retire only recently strengthened after speaking to the 38-year-old's wife, Flavia Pennetta, at a seniors event. Pennetta retired from the sport 10 years ago and, according to McEnroe, she is ready for Fognini to step away from the tour and spend more time with their family. "This was the perfect ending for Fognini," the American told the BBC, via the Express. "Fortunately for Alcaraz, towards the end of the fourth set, the crowd realised that Fognini was playing unbelievably. Article continues below Fognini's wife, Flavia Pennetta, is also keen for the tennis star to retire in the near future (Image: Giuseppe Cottini/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images ) "Carlos looked more exhausted than Fognini despite there being a 16-year age difference! What on earth is happening here? "So the crowd started rallying behind Alcaraz and that picked him up a little bit. I almost hope that [Fognini] doesn't play anymore because I'm not sure he can play any better than that. "I played Flavio Panetta in seniors mixed doubles at the French [Open] and she thinks it's time for Fabio to be at home more with the kids. I think she is ready for her husband to be home more." Fognini's final match at Wimbledon was an impressive one (Image:) During his post-match celebrations, Alcaraz offered a touching tribute to Fognini; however, he harboured doubts about McEnroe's views on his retirement following the sterling first-round performance. Article continues below Despite this vote of confidence from the young tennis ace, Fognini intimated that his decision might already be made. He said: "It's tough for me to speak, believe me. "But, yeah, I think this is probably the best way to say [goodbye] to Wimbledon, and maybe to tennis. That's what I'm thinking now. I am happy, for sure. I have a lot of emotions coming to my mind."
New York Post
27-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Meet Luka Mitrovic, the 32-year-old 2015 draftee acquired in Knicks' second-round swap
The Knicks got a surprising addition in a pick swap with the Clippers during the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft — the rights to a 32-year-old from Serbia. Luka Mitrovic, who was originally drafted by the 76ers with the No. 60 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, was included in the trade between the Knicks and Clippers that saw New York move down to No. 51 and take Mohamed Diawara on Thursday night. Since being drafted by Philadelphia a decade ago, Mitrovic has bounced around numerous professional teams in Europe, and was most recently a member of KK Crvena zvezda's ABA League and EuroLeague teams for the 2024-25 season, where he played in 47 games. 3 Luka Mitrovic shoots during the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 34 match between Panathinaikos Athens and Crvena Zvezda MeridianBet Belgrade at OAKA on April 11, 2025 in Athens, Greece. Euroleague Basketball via Getty Despite remaining in Europe since his draft selection, the rights to Mitrovic have been involved in two NBA trades, first being dealt to the Kings just weeks after being selected in a deal that sent Carl Landry, Jason Thompson and Nik Stauskas to the Sixers. Mitrovic was then sent to the Clippers midway through the 2023-24 season in exchange for Filip Petrusev, a former teammate of his on Crvena zvezda. The Serbian started his professional basketball career when he was just 17, signing a deal with Hemofarm in Serbia for the 2010-11 season. 3 Luka Mitrovic in action during the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Play-in B match between FC Bayern Munich and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade at SAP Garden on April 15, 2025 in Munich, Germany. Euroleague Basketball via Getty Mitrovic spent five seasons playing for Crvena zvezda from 2012-13 to 2016-17 before joining the team again for 2021-22. It remains unclear if the Knicks will bring Mitrovic over to the United States, with the deal most likely being for salary cap purposes, as his contract does not go against the cap unless signed. 3 Luka Mitrovic celebrates after winning the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 17 match between Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at Belgrade Arena on Dec. 20, 2024 in Belgrade, Serbia. Euroleague Basketball via Getty With the No. 51 pick of Thursday's draft, the Knicks ultimately selected Diawara, a French forward. Diawara, 20, last played for Cholet Basket in the LNB Pro A league in France, and averaged 5.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 27 games. He also reportedly has a 7-foot-4 wingspan and a 9-foot-2 standing reach.
Arabian Business
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Arabian Business
'It has to be authentic': Euroleague's CMO on expansion without selling out
When Alex Ferrer Kristjansson joined Euroleague Basketball two decades ago, the league was an underdog with ambition. 'Back then we were a group of young people just learning and putting a lot of effort in trying to build something,' he says. 'It was a new thing. It was an innovative sports property, and we had a lot of ambition. And now, you know, when we see where we are now… it's a completely different animal.' Today, Ferrer finds himself spearheading Euroleague's entry into one of the world's fastest-growing sports markets: the Middle East. The decision to bring the Final Four to Abu Dhabi signals more than geographic expansion – it's a referendum on the league's global relevance, commercial strategy, and cultural integrity. 'It's not that we are moving the Euroleague to the Middle East, you know,' Ferrer insists. 'It's one event where we are bringing all that experience to a new audience.' With basketball's international appeal rising – especially among diaspora-heavy, sport-hungry cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai – Euroleague is testing how far its brand of deeply European basketball can travel, and whether doing so will strengthen or splinter its identity. Basketball, the European way The core question is one of cultural transference: Can Euroleague's brand of 'authentic' basketball thrive in a region long dominated by football and one that is already a magnet for global sports events? 'Authenticity is a great word,' Ferrer says. 'This European basketball culture is very, very deeply rooted and very solid. I think there's nothing wrong with exporting that or showing that to new audiences and exposing that to new audiences, new regions, which is what we're doing here with this Final Four.' 'But obviously, yes, we have to make sure that we protect that authenticity… I don't think there's any risk of that authenticity being destroyed in any way.' He adds, 'If it's not the record in history, it's one of the quickest sold outs, for sure… and what we are seeing now here – all the support from the local authorities and the quality of the event… it has all the ingredients to be a success.' Why Abu Dhabi, why now? From a business lens, the logic is clear. 'It just speaks about the maturity of the league, what it has become, and the growing interest it is experiencing, not only in Europe, but in a global basis,' Ferrer explains. 'We have seen the Middle East taking a very relevant role within sports, not only basketball, right? With investments in sports properties across the globe, but also in major events happening here… You see Formula One, you see NBA, you see UFC, now you see the Euroleague. We're part of that.' 'What we see here is opportunity. What exactly that means, that is what we don't know yet… and that is the main reason why we decided to bring the Final Four here… to see how a new market like this one responds to our offering and our product, and then take it from there.' Ferrer doesn't pretend Euroleague will challenge football's dominance — nor does it need to. 'We don't aspire to compete with football, but we really believe we have something unique… The fact that football is strong doesn't mean that there cannot be interest for other stuff, other entertainment, right?' 'As long as the entertainment offering is good enough, I think there's space for everyone.' What happens after the final buzzer? Is this a one-off? Ferrer is candid: 'We will see. We don't know how permanent our presence in the Middle East will be… This is a very first step in that ambition. And we want to first understand, you know, how it works out, what the results of this event are.' 'We're looking at the world. That's what we're looking at. We want to grow our presence everywhere. And presence doesn't mean physical presence. You know, it can be different ways of presence in different regions.' Still, the groundwork is already being laid. One topic under serious consideration: adding a Dubai-based team to the league. 'In terms of outside Europe, meaning the Middle East, Dubai is on the radar, and it has a good chance of becoming a reality,' he says. But he adds a critical caveat: 'Whatever is built here, it needs to be built in an authentic way. If you want it to last, it cannot be built based on a fake product that you just invent and expect to be successful and put a lot of money behind… it needs to be something that has a long-term strategy and has the right support from the right people, the right authorities.' Not the NBA – and proud of it Invariably, comparisons to the NBA arise. But Ferrer dismisses the rivalry narrative. 'Everybody asks about us competing with the NBA. I don't see it that way… The NBA is basketball. The Euroleague is basketball. It's a different product, in my view.' 'They're better at some things, and we are a lot better in some other things… But it's not about competing with them… If we are successful, I think that the NBA will benefit greatly about it… It's just building, creating more and more basketball fans, and that's in everyone's interest.' Legacy in motion Having spent 20 years shaping Euroleague's evolution, Ferrer's vision is long-term but grounded. 'Sometimes you live the moment and it's difficult to look back,' he reflects. 'When I take a moment and look back 20 years ago, you realise how much this Euroleague has changed.' 'If I have any legacy in this league, it's about contributing to that growth… It's beautiful to see how we, together with all the many people, built this into what it is today.'
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DCT Abu Dhabi signs partnership to become official global partner of Euroleague Basketball
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Euroleague Basketball have announced a new global partnership, naming 'Experience Abu Dhabi' the official tourism and travel destination of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The collaboration further solidifies the emirate as a hub for sporting excellence and a platform for the world's foremost IPs. Beginning with the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 27, 'Experience Abu Dhabi' will be prominently featured across EuroLeague and EuroCup games, including in-arena signage and live broadcasts. Additionally, the partnership will extend into the digital sphere, with significant brand presence across Euroleague Basketball's digital platforms and exclusive branded content, amplifying Abu Dhabi's global visibility. HE Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: 'Our partnership with Euroleague Basketball is a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi's evolution as a premier global sporting destination and a trusted partner for top global brands. As the official tourism and travel destination of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup, we are proud to champion basketball in the region, driving mutual growth while further igniting passion for the sport. We look forward to welcoming basketball fans from around the world, offering them an unforgettable experience that blends world-class competition with Abu Dhabi's rich culture, warm hospitality, and vibrant entertainment." Abu Dhabi has rapidly established itself as a premier sports hub in the Middle East, hosting world-class events such as the FIFA Club World Cup (2009, 2010), Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, Abu Dhabi World Triathlon Championship Series, UFC events, and the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Basketball has also gained traction in the emirate, with Abu Dhabi hosting NBA pre-season games and the USA Basketball Showcase, which featured national teams from the USA, Serbia, and Australia. Gawain Davies, Euroleague Basketball Chief Commercial Officer, said: 'We are delighted to announce this new partnership, which is a natural evolution following the confirmation of the EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi. The Middle East, and Abu Dhabi in particular, is emerging as a top-tier tourism destination, with sports playing a key role in its leisure and entertainment offerings. This collaboration will reinforce that message, bringing Abu Dhabi's unique attractions to the global Euroleague Basketball audience.' The new announcement follows an agreement between Euroleague Basketball, DCT Abu Dhabi, and Etihad Arena to host the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, from May 23 to 25, for the first time in history. Hosting the Final Four in Abu Dhabi aligns with Euroleague Basketball's long-term vision of reaching new audiences and strengthening its 25-year legacy of excellence, marking a significant expansion for Euroleague Basketball into new global markets. This strategic sports expansion aligns with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors, generate 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, and contribute AED 90 billion to the emirate's GDP by 2030. About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries. DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought. For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: and For more information, please contact: Reem Jrade Senior Account Executive About Euroleague Basketball Euroleague Basketball (EB) is a global leader in the sports and entertainment business, devoted to running the top European competitions of professional basketball clubs under a unique and innovative organizational model. Owned and administered by some of the most successful and historic clubs in the world, EB manages the continent's two premier men's basketball competitions, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup, as well as the sport's premier under-18 showcase, the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague. The EB competitions bring the elite of European basketball to all five continents and to the entire sports community through the OTT platform EuroLeague TV. EB also organizes a series of community and educational activities, led by the One Team program, in alignment with the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. On the academic side, the EB Sports Business MBA trains future professionals in sports management. For more information, please contact: mediacommunication@
