Credit ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic

Legendary coach Zeljko Obradovic has voiced strong opposition to the proposed NBA-backed European league, saying he is firmly committed to the EuroLeague.

Speaking to Radio MARCA ahead of Partizan Belgrade’s clash with Real Madrid, Obradovic stated, “I don’t like it at all, because we have a great competition here and we must continue believing in this project.”

The Serbian coach, who leads Partizan and holds a historic record of nine European titles, emphasized the importance of preserving European basketball’s traditions and competitive standards. He described the EuroLeague as the future of the sport on the continent, praising the league’s growth and level of play.

Obradovic highlighted the expansion to 20 teams, noting that the tournament remains highly competitive. “Everyone aspires to be among the top eight, it’s a very difficult competition,” he said, while also expressing satisfaction with Partizan’s project and the support of its fans.

The remarks come after EuroLeague and NBA officials met in Geneva on October 8 to discuss a potential NBA-backed league set to launch as early as 2027. The framework under consideration would feature 16 teams, including 12 permanent and four rotating franchises, and aims to emulate the NBA-backed Basketball Africa League model.

Despite ongoing discussions, Obradovic remains cautious. He stressed that European basketball must maintain governance over decision-making and protect fan bases, traditions, and competitive integrity. “The future of European basketball is in the EuroLeague,” he said, reinforcing his belief in the current system.

The NBA Europe project has drawn interest from major clubs, including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but challenges remain regarding calendar alignment, participation fees, and integration with existing EuroLeague operations.