As the EuroLeague season progresses, the institution faces a complex landscape of challenges-from navigating geopolitical concerns that impacted game locations in Israel, to the looming threat of a new rival league backed by the NBA and FIBA slated to launch in 2027. [[1]] In a wide-ranging year-end interview, EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejūnas addresses these issues and the league’s strategic response, alongside internal matters including contract renewals and the state of Lithuanian basketball. [[2]]
Paulius Motiejūnas took the helm of EuroLeague basketball in the summer of 2023, stepping into a leadership role during a period of significant change and challenge for the organization.
While the EuroLeague is expanding – now comprising 20 clubs and maintaining a high level of competition – those overseeing the league are navigating both internal and external pressures.
Just last week, EuroLeague games returned to Israel after a two-year hiatus, with two Israeli clubs participating this season. However, one game – between Dubai and Maccabi – was played in an empty arena this week due to security concerns, and future games may also be held without fans or at neutral venues.
An even greater concern for the EuroLeague is the growing presence of the NBA, which, with support from FIBA, is developing a new league in Europe.
Both NBA representatives and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis have confirmed that “NBA Europe” is slated to launch in October 2027. In recent months, the NBA has been actively courting several long-standing EuroLeague clubs.
While teams in Lithuania are not currently targets for recruitment, clubs like ASVEL Villeurbanne, Real Madrid, and previously Barcelona, are being considered.
Cities being considered to host “NBA Europe” teams include London, Manchester, Rome, Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Lyon, Berlin, Munich, Athens, and Istanbul.
Despite the increasing likelihood of NBA involvement, Motiejūnas remains skeptical of the American plans, particularly regarding the proposed launch date of just over a year and a half from now.
Returning home for the holidays and attending a game featuring Kaunas Žalgiris, the 44-year-old EuroLeague executive reflected on the closing of 2025, the moves made by “NBA Europe,” the threats facing his organization, the return to playing games in Israel, the surprising performance of some EuroLeague teams, and the fractured state of Lithuanian basketball, currently led by Mindaugas Balčiūnas, president of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, whom Motiejūnas opposed in the 2024 presidential election.
– Paulius, 2025 is drawing to a close. How would you describe the year, both personally and professionally?
– Good – you always have to evaluate things positively and look forward to the next year with optimism. There are many challenges, but we are moving forward successfully, with smiles.
– And how would you assess 2025 for EuroLeague?
– Challenging. We all know the situation we’re in, and those challenges, unfortunately, won’t end with this year. On the positive side, we have a new market in Abu Dhabi, a new team from Dubai, and a new calendar with 20 teams. There have been many good and bold decisions that have paid off and give us optimism. I apologize for that optimism, but I really like to look at things positively. A lot of new things, but we are handling them successfully.
– Large organizations, of course, plan for challenges. Were you anticipating this many issues at the beginning of the year?
– The fact is, we thought it would be simpler. Challenges like the emergence of a new league happen once every 10 or 20 years. This is certainly not something traditional that you can plan for and expect.
We thought it would be simpler. Challenges like the emergence of a new league happen once every 10 or 20 years.
– The NBA has announced it will provide more information about the “NBA Europe” project during NBA games in Berlin in January 2026. Do you have any insight into the direction things are heading, and how do you view the talk of a new league launching as early as 2027?
– In this area, I’m not so optimistic as I am skeptical (laughs). Realistically, I can’t imagine six new projects (teams) by 2027. I truly believe, as we’ve always said, that the best solution is to sit down and find a solution together, rather than create a new league. I strongly believe the NBA will see that too. Regarding timelines, it was initially discussed for October, then December, now January, and I’m hearing talk of a postponement to March. We’re waiting calmly. This isn’t the NBA’s first attempt to expand into Europe, and they’ve talked about it before. Perhaps they’re speaking more confidently now than in the past, but so far, we haven’t seen anything – neither clubs nor the league. A lot is hidden behind a veil of uncertainty. We don’t know if that’s because the numbers simply aren’t there, or if everything is being kept secret. But when no one knows, it seems like the former is more likely.
– Are there any indications of which EuroLeague teams are considering joining the NBA and FIBA project?
– It’s hard to answer, because, as I said, no one has seen the numbers. Everyone wants to talk, and of course, when the world’s strongest basketball league comes calling, everyone looks at it positively, just as we started with those optimistic conversations and continue to say we should find a solution together. But that attitude, unfortunately, is only on our side. We’re waiting to see if it will change. Perhaps 2026 will be a turning point.
Eriko Ovčarenko / BNS nuotr./Paulius Motiejūnas
– Regarding one of the EuroLeague teams – Barcelona – there has been a lot of discussion recently. Initially, they were linked to the NBA league, then seemed to lean towards the EuroLeague, but reports suggest they will only stay in the EuroLeague if their contract includes a clause allowing them to join the NBA project. How would the EuroLeague view such a scenario?
– Legally speaking, that would require the approval of all clubs. Everyone has different desires and preferences, but there is a consensus – 13 clubs meet and everyone decides. Do we, as management, make the decisions? No. We gather all the information, and we want everyone to stay. Right now, there’s a game being played: we talk, they try to go and talk. We need to wait and see – time will tell. I believe it’s unrealistic for them to start in 2027, as the next season is just around the corner, so teams need to think about how we will move forward. What the next few years will bring remains to be seen.
– Seeing the NBA’s moves, the EuroLeague is likely also developing ideas on how to strengthen itself. Do you see opportunities for expansion, adding new teams, and increasing competition?
– We have a very clear Plan B. We are talking to teams and presenting it to them. We have been living and growing successfully for 26 years, and we are prepared to continue doing so. It’s not as if we’re waiting to see what they offer. It’s more that it’s coming from the clubs. And we, as a league, are prepared to grow at times. We have repeatedly said that there could and should be more teams, a different tournament format, different markets, which we did with Dubai. It’s one step at a time, but we need to be patient. I’d like to present that plan to you, but for now, we’re only presenting it to the teams.
We talk, they try to go and talk.
– Long-term licenses for EuroLeague teams expire after this season. By what date must new contracts be signed?
– I’ll answer indirectly – the sooner, the better, because we need to plan our activities for next year. We’re pushing for that to happen as soon as possible.
– Is it true that a portion of the teams have already signed?
– Yes, the vast majority have already signed.
– EuroLeague games have returned to Israel. How many organizational challenges were involved in making that happen?
– The organizational aspects went smoothly, because we’re returning. This isn’t a new market; it’s simply a return home for the teams. Especially the first Maccabi game was implemented quite easily. Hapoel also managed well, we saw how they played their first games, although they didn’t actually play at home – they played in Jerusalem, as their arena was occupied. But everything went smoothly. We saw the stands, it’s wonderful to see people seeing the EuroLeague product again. A full arena, a good atmosphere – that’s the main drive that moves us forward. Of course, there will be challenges, because, unfortunately, not all countries can (accept Israeli teams or travel to Israel). We are prepared for those challenges, but we are waiting for things to return to normal.
Euroleague nuotr./„Hapoel“ krepšininkai
– When you mention teams that won’t travel, are you referring to Turkey?
– Yes. We knew in advance that this would be the case, because government decisions take precedence over any league. They will play at a neutral venue – with Maccabi in Belgrade, and with Hapoel in Sofia. This was communicated from the beginning, and we were prepared for it. We considered this.
– Aside from Turkey, how did the remaining EuroLeague clubs react to the decision to return to Israel?
– To be honest, I’ll say that all the clubs listened to what EuroLeague management proposed (laughs). It’s not an easy decision. We are the first professional league to do this, but we are satisfied with the results and are seeing how things develop.
– Speaking of recent escalations in the region, the tragic shooting at a Jewish celebration in Sydney. Do such events change your and the Israeli clubs’ approach to how games should be conducted, and what security measures should be taken?
– It’s important to say that it’s safe there (in Israel). The least of the worries is probably even less than playing somewhere here in Europe. We saw that Dubai also played behind closed doors (against Maccabi), and there will be more such decisions, which is normal. I believe it’s safer in Israel than when teams travel to other countries. The topic is still sensitive. We understand that the Palestinian issue hasn’t disappeared and will remain. These events simply show that the whole world is still hurting.
Eriko Ovčarenko / BNS nuotr./Paulius Motiejūnas
– How do you rate Žalgiris’ start to the season?
– I’m a neutral fan, I came to watch quietly with my children (laughs). We’ll assess it at the end of the season. It’s a very interesting season: Hapoel is surprisingly strong, Valencia is also surprising. We’re seeing how Barcelona is shooting up. It’s nice to see Šarūnas and how well Fenerbahçe is doing. As for Žalgiris, Žalgiris is Žalgiris – I’ll refrain from commenting.
– We started by asking about your year, and what do you think were the years for Lithuanian basketball?
– (Sighs) I want to find more positivity somehow. It hurts me, it hurts me what’s happening. I don’t want to express personal opinions so much, I’d like to see more values. There’s too much publicity in that federation, too much dirty laundry being aired publicly. It’s unpleasant. I want things to be better, but it is what it is.
– Aside from the Basketball Federation president election, do you see other ways to reconcile and unite the Lithuanian basketball community?
– No, the fundamental values are different. I don’t think it’s possible on such a value-based foundation… There’s no desire among people to unite. How can you unite people if one side doesn’t want to? This isn’t just in Lithuania, but also in the NBA topic – all parties must work together. But when you come and try to persuade someone who doesn’t want to, who says in interviews that they want to “dominate” Europe, it’s very difficult. The same is true in the federation. There has never been a goal of unity. Everyone writes and talks, but they close their eyes and ignore it, so it’s hard to talk about any desire to sit down and say, “now we’ll work for Lithuanian basketball.” I apologize, I’m being pessimistic, but I don’t see any chances.
There’s too much publicity in that federation, too much dirty laundry being aired publicly. It’s unpleasant.
– But unity would arise if communication didn’t take place publicly, but privately, trying to find common ground?
– I apologize, but everything depends on the leadership. If you want to work and see goals to grow and unite, then you will reach an agreement. If that goal doesn’t exist… I miss that. I would like to speak more beautifully and positively, but it’s not my path. It’s difficult for me to comment well. I wish them success, everything is fine, we all want Lithuania to win. But…
