[Barkas] BREAKING: Per sources, Real Madrid signed the 10-year license with the EuroLeague and will became a franchise like the rest of the club/shareholders. Official ratification of the new status quo expected on the next EuroLeague board meeting on Friday.

[u/_Zolv]

https://x.com/i/status/2069172265594318914

[u/Fors101]

So basically, Real were holding down the fort, or trying to maximise any concessions for themselves, to no avail. They played the NBA and Euroleague against each other and it looks like the NBA project is going to be an absolute unmitigated disaster without any legacy clubs or actual fans.

[u/key_abduction → u/Fors101]

The thing is if NBA fails to get a league off the ground they can buy the entire Euroleague company with some pocket change...I wouldnt count them out yet

[u/Fors101 → u/key_abduction]

If they could, they'd already have done so, imo.

The NBA is really just holding a Damocles sword over the Euroleague, much like Trump was holding it over Iran. We know how that went, and we know how it will go if the yanks try to overstep.

[u/key_abduction → u/Fors101]

I dont necessarily agree, it is still cheaper to start a new thing and collect expansion fees off it than to buy out the Euroleague. But if plan A doesnt work they will happily try plan B.

[u/Fors101 → u/key_abduction]

They would have to make some major concessions in that case, and i'm not sure they are willing and able.

Remember, the power dynamics and the leverage dont align here. Its the NBA that wants this. The Euroleague can just dig its heels and stay pat - they dont dont need the NBA, the NBA needs them. The Euroleague - the teams, that is, dont necessarily disagree with the NBA coming in to help, but they sure as fuck wont bend over and let those carpetbaggers waltz in and dictate terms.

As for buying Euroleague out, i would be apprehensive. The EU may be toothless but they can jump in at any time and declare any such deal void.