Jordi Bertomeu, the Euroleague Basketball President and CEO, met with French media on Friday alongside Tony Parker, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne President and controlling shareholder, Gaetan Muller, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne Managing President, and Jean-Michel Aulas, President of Olympique Lyonnais, prior to ASVEL's Round 18 game against visiting Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Here is a transcript of their comments:

Jordi Bertomeu, Euroleague Basketball President and CEO:

"Bonsoir. First, I want to say that I appreciate the hospitality that our friends here at ASVEL have given us during our whole day here in Villeurbanne.

"I'd like to note that we are in a season that is very complicated, very difficult. We all know the pandemic is affecting us. But I'd also like to say that despite these difficulties, we are making sure that the season goes forward. We've played the whole 7DAYS EuroCup Regular Season. We've played the first leg of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season. We've played every game except three. And this is thanks to the effort that the clubs have made to complete the calendar and complete our objective, which is to offer once again this magnificent competition to our fans, who unfortunately are still not with us in the arenas.

"The decision to suspend last season was for sure the most unpleasant decision that I've taken in my life. Because the season was going along beautifully, with lots of competitiveness, with all the indicators of audience very high, especially in France, where interest in basketball had grown 41%. So I think that having to cancel the season in those moments was very painful for all of us.

"Speaking of France, I know that there have been many comments made in recent days, so I am going to reveal the reason that we are here. Last November, the Euroleague Board authorized us to continue forward with our plan for the future, which basically consists of the EuroLeague being composed of 18 teams, with ASVEL Villeurbanne, without doubt, along with FC Bayern Munich, being primary candidates to achieve long-term contracts. And I'll explain why.

"First, as I started to mention, it's very clear that France is very important for European basketball. It's very important to have a strong, consolidated and traditional club like ASVEL Villeurbanne in France.

"Second, in 2014, ASVEL Villeurbanne entered into a new project when Tony [Parker] took charge of the club with his team, with Gaetan [Muller] and the whole team, and this prompted a great collaboration with the EuroLeague over these years.

"Third, because the club's partnership with Olympique Lyonnaise has given this project another dimension, additional ambition for the future and additional long-term stability that, for us, is fundamental.  

"And lastly, because we share the same vision of the future of sports in Europe, and of basketball in particular. It's a pleasure to share this vision with two people, in this case Tony and [Olympique Lyonnais] President [Jean-Michel] Aulas, who are visionaries, and for that reason can help us a lot to develop this project.

"And to finish, this morning we had a very interesting conversation about the commitments that both sides should make for the future, both Euroleague Basketball and ASVEL. It has been a very positive conversation. Once more, we are very aligned in terms of how to work together in the future. And I am very convinced that no later than the end of February or beginning of March, we can announce that the agreement and collaboration of ASVEL with the EuroLeague, and the integration of ASVEL as one of the 13 owners, that is one owner more of the EuroLeague, is going to be a fact.

"I just wish to thank once again ASVEL and President Aulas because they shared their vision and we've been able to understand better the project of the building of a new arena, which is fundamental for us, and confirm that the decision is the correct one. And I hope we can make it official very soon. Merci."

Tony Parker, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne President and controlling shareholder

"This license to participate in the EuroLeague has been the main goal since I landed here in 2014 together with Gaetan. Our conversations today have been very positive and we are working for this license to become a reality in February or March. I thank Jordi for his trust in ASVEL and also Jean-Michel Aulas, who has also trusted us to achieve this project, which we have almost finished. Having good news in such difficult moments is very good. We need to be positive, together with Jean-Michel's visionary team, and with Jordi and his team we will continue making sport grow."

Jean-Michel Aulas, President of Olympique Lyonnais

"I want to thank Jordi because he not only provided his modern vision of sport in the world of basketball but also in the world of sports in general, allowing the project that Tony has here in ASVEL to grow. We know that to achieve such an important project, we need to have a financial structure that allows us to maintain the project from an investment perspective, which is now the most important point, and for the arena. But also for other things that you need to have not only to achieve a permanent presence in the EuroLeague, but to also have an important role and to reach the top, because this is the passion that Tony, his team and I share. We try to give the resources to this arena to create the ecosystem for ASVEL to generate the resources to be at the top level. This arena is progressing, approved by a majority of the municipality voting, allowing us to bring a modern project because such an important project should allow us to improve the team at a competitive level but at the same time promote the participation of the whole city as well as other companies, having a different vision of modern basketball, which is very different compared to 20 years ago. This arena has all the characteristics to provide a high level of satisfaction to all users. It is an ambitious project of around €140 million that hasn't been easy but we have achieved all the formalities. We have regular contact with both ASVEL and Euroleague as we will not only build an arena for ASVEL but the best sports arena in France, giving all guarantees to ASVEL to achieve success at both the national and international levels."

 Gaetan Muller, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne Managing President

"This is great news, especially during these times. That shows the confidence between ASVEL, Euroleague and Olympique Lyonnais, which is very important, as every time Jordi comes, things move forward. There are a lot of people working for this project and this is very positive news for our collaborators, our fans who do not have the chance now to attend our games, and also for our partners. This arena will allow us to have a new perspective, to think bigger, and to attract more resources, while at the same time maintaining the familiar and united values of ASVEL and the city of Villeurbanne."

Question: Why is the license not confirmed today?

Jordi Bertomeu: "Because it's a process in which we have to explain to the club the implications of being an owner of the EuroLeague. We have explained what are our commitments to the club, when it's an owner of the EuroLeague. It's a dialogue that has to take place, and today has been an introduction to this dialogue. When I said it was positive, it's because I felt assured that what we have explained and what ASVEL explained to us had an enormous level of coincidence. For that reason, it makes us think that in a few weeks we will be able to formalize the agreement. It's evident that once we are totally in agreement, the board of the EuroLeague will have to give its approval. But I insist that it's a process and a conversation that we initiated today and we will continue in the coming days and weeks, because it's not an easy process. You have to know and review many areas: structural, economic and plans for the future. All those questions have to be worked on and do not happen in one morning. But I repeat, the high level of agreement we have makes me think that it will be only a question of time until we can announce it officially. But today it's not done, because it can't be done today."

Question: What is the duration of the contract?

Jordi Bertomeu: "The license is for 10 years, the same as for the 11 current clubs that have long-term licenses. And once those 10 years are complete, it extends automatically for 10 more, and so on, successively. What's important to understand is that ASVEL will be involved in every decision going forward. In the moment that the club becomes part of the ownership of the EuroLeague, the club is in the decision process of continuing and extending these contracts. Not like now, that the club doesn't participate in these decisions. Once the club is a member of the ownership of the EuroLeague, it will be at the table where these decisions are taken, and, as such, there is no risk that ASVEL would not continue in the future when these 10 years are completed."

Question: What are ASVEL's projects besides the license and the new arena?

Tony Parker: "First things first, and the arena and the license are the priority, to consolidate them. So now, we will focus our efforts to reach February or March to obtain the license and, after that, we will focus with Olympique Lyonnais on the arena. And after that, we will start thinking of what will come next. But now we have very clear goals on the horizon and it is important to focus on them."

Question: When do you expect to obtain the license?

Tony Parker: "This is something that we want to do as soon as possible. That's why we have mentioned February or March, as there will be a board meeting held with the 11 clubs and we hope that the decision will be positive."

Jordi Bertomeu meets media in Villeurbanne

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Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that, after a successful first two years together, Tripoki by Detur will continue as the official Travel Booking Portal for the top competitions on the continent, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the 7DAYS EuroCup.

Tripoki offers countless travel choices at competitive prices with technology that makes trips fast and easy to book. Tripoki also specializes in packages for major events and concerts that include tickets to the events themselves.

"Making memories for fans is our goal in having an official partner for travel in the EuroLeague and EuroCup, and Tripoki will keep taking care of that important goal going forward as it has for the last two years," Jordi Bertomeu, Euroleague Basketball President and CEO, said. "This new agreement rewards the trust that has been built between us to be able to keep offering our fans the best in travel options."

"It is a privilege to continue this journey together to further enhance the largest basketball competition on the continent," Firuz Bağlikaya, Chairman of Detur, stated. "Our goal is to offer the best sports and cultural experiences to our customers, and without a doubt Euroleague Basketball competitions are some of the best events in the world."

Euroleague Basketball and Tripoki share a common goal of creating uniquely great travel and game experiences for fans. Tripoki offers easy booking of the best connections and a comfortable stay so that fans can concern themselves only with supporting their teams and being part of unforgettable moments. In addition to taking exemplary care of fans, Tripoki also meets all the travel needs for Euroleague staff, referees and Final Four teams.

Tripoki is an online booking portal launched by Detur, whose long-term relationship with the EuroLeague speaks to how Euroleague Basketball's global partnership platform delivers companies what they seek in terms of brand awareness, customer engagement and market growth. Such growth combined with enhanced services through bespoke account management explains why Euroleague Basketball partners, whose ranks increase in size and diversity each season, renew their agreements consistently and now average now eight years of tenure as a group.

Euroleague Basketball extends Tripoki as official travel partner

Endesa, a leading company in the electricity sector, has doubled down on its commitment to Euroleague Basketball by extending its partnership with the organizer of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and 7DAYS EuroCup into the 2020-21 season.

Endesa to continue powering EuroLeague, EuroCup

Endesa, a leading company in the electricity sector, has doubled down on its commitment to Euroleague Basketball by extending its partnership with the organizer of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and 7DAYS EuroCup into the 2020-21 season.

During three successful seasons together, the Spanish company has been a constant presence on EuroLeague and EuroCup courts in its home country as an official regional sponsor of Euroleague Basketball. That presence will be enhanced with the new agreement, which also builds upon the comprehensive media and digital activation plans that provide Endesa with great exposure and consumer engagement by integrating its brand with top basketball content across multiple media outlets.

"We are proud that such an important sector leader as Endesa has seen its investment in Euroleague Basketball rewarded and continues to believe in the opportunities offered by the EuroLeague and the EuroCup going forward," Jordi Bertomeu, Euroleague Basketball President and CEO, said. "Just as Endesa provides electricity to millions, its commitment to basketball empowers our sport in ways that make the communities we both serve better off and more energetic."

"The ongoing collaboration with top-level partners like Euroleague Basketball allows us to proudly confirm that we are the engine of basketball in Spain as we fully support our teams wherever they compete," José Bogas, Endesa CEO, stated. "The vertiginous evolving rhythm of the collaboration between basketball and its partners bring us the possibility to be pioneers in all the different areas we participate, showing once again that the innovation formula is totally integrated into Endesa's DNA."

Endesa's second sponsorship agreement adds to the consistent renewal rate among companies in the Euroleague Basketball partnership program. On average, those partnerships now have a tenure of eight years each. Such loyalty speaks to the efficiency of Euroleague Basketball's bespoke account management, which uses enhanced services and engagement in the creative, events and business intelligence areas to serve as an extension of the brand marketing and sales departments of its partners.

As a result of their sustained growth, especially in Western Europe, Euroleague Basketball competitions are seen by global and regional brands as a powerful engagement platform for their consumers. That growth was evident even in the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season, which nonetheless boasted a year-on-year average increase of 15% in fan interest across all Euroleague Basketball markets, according to Nielsen Sports.



Euroleague Basketball and Tadim, Turkey's leading nut and dried fruits brand, are celebrating the success of their continuing partnership by extending it for another three years until the end of the 2022-23 season.

Tadim renews EuroLeague partnership until 2023

Euroleague Basketball and Tadim, Turkey's leading nut and dried fruits brand, are celebrating the success of their continuing partnership by extending it for another three years until the end of the 2022-23 season.

The renewal will lengthen the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague's relationship with Tadim to eight years, the current average for Euroleague Basketball partners. As such, Tadim will continue to enjoy high visibility at EuroLeague games and throughout the competition's digital ecosystem. Tadim's commitment testifies to how the sustained growth of Euroleague Basketball competitions, especially in Western Europe, offers partners an optimal engagement platform with which to reach consumers.

"Since 2016, we have been honored to count Tadim among our family of partners and to mutually pursue our ambitions for multi-market growth," Jordi Bertomeu, Euroleague Basketball President and CEO, said. "This extension not only confirms that our work together has been successful to date, but allows us to raise the bar in the years ahead."

The ongoing partnership is aimed at enhancing Tadim's ability to increase exports to consumers across Western Europe and beyond. Central to that effort is the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, whose 2021 edition is ticketed for Cologne, Germany. The fact that Tadim has production facilities in Germany illustrates how that market's strategic importance to both companies is another shared priority between them.

"Our products are preferred not only in Turkey, but also in many other countries," Emre Tekinalp, Tadim's CEO, said. "Our brand is internationalizing quickly. Hence, it is with great pride that we announce the continuation of this long-lasting partnership with Euroleague Basketball, an organization that is followed by many fans around the globe."

Euroleague Basketball and Domino's Pizza have announced a new partnership that will connect one of the world's most iconic brands directly with the passion and devotion that defines the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the 7DAYS EuroCup.

Euroleague Basketball, Domino's join forces in partnership

Euroleague Basketball and Domino's Pizza have announced a new partnership that will connect one of the world's most iconic brands directly with the passion and devotion that defines the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the 7DAYS EuroCup.

Its nearly 20,000 locations in more than 85 countries is compelling proof of the international distinction that Domino's has earned, just like Euroleague Basketball competitions, from consistently bringing joy to a broad cross-section of the general public.

Now, as Domino's becomes a consistent presence at EuroLeague and EuroCup games, as well as on media platforms in both competitions, these two global brands will combine their decades of experience in order to continue to cheer and delight people.

"What ties Domino's and Euroleague Basketball together is a mission to make people happy, by staging elite sports in our case and enjoying one of the most popular restaurant chains in the world in theirs." Jordi Bertomeu, Euroleague Basketball President and CEO said.

"At the same time, we both strive to serve our communities in ways that lift spirits and bring people together, especially in these trying times. With such a world-renowned partner like Domino's at our side, we are sure to make a bigger impact together in those efforts."

The partnership agreement with Domino's attests to Euroleague Basketball's ability to provide even the biggest partners with enhanced global exposure, while a the same time ensuring local engagement and impact, which is of maximum importance to quick service restaurants franchisees across the continent.

"As Domino's, we always strive for multiplying beautiful moments and sharing happiness. As an extention of our corporate philosophy, through our marketing investments, we continue to give support to sports, where the most exciting moments are shared and celebrations take place," DP Eurasia Group CEO Aslan Saranga said. "Upon our Domino's Empowers Sports vision, we are proud to undertake the official partnership of the EuroLeague and EuroCup, two of Europe's most prestigious basketball organizations. We are pleased to have the opportunity to boost basketball's most exciting moments with our 360-degree marketing approach."

Euroleague Commercial Assets Executive Board members met remotely on Tuesday, November 10, to hold key discussions on the future.Euroleague Commercial Assets Executive Board members met remotely on Tuesday, November 10, to hold key discussions on the future.

ECA Shareholders Executive Board reviews club licensing and commercial platform updates

Euroleague Commercial Assets Executive Board members met remotely on Tuesday, November 10, to hold key discussions on the future.

Euroleague Basketball (EB) President & CEO Jordi Bertomeu opened the meeting by providing the clubs with information on the progress and upcoming steps of the strategic roadmap that was defined in December 2019, based on two different pillars:

- Increase penetration in strategic markets, namely France and Germany, where awareness, interest and business levels have shown significant growth in recent years, including assigning an associate wild card for two seasons (until June 2021) to LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and FC Bayern Munich, respectively. The ECA Board will define the conditions for both clubs to be assigned with a long-term license by June 2021, increasing the total number of long-term licenses from 11 to 13.

- Increasing the stability of the League through increasing the number of long-term licensed clubs. The clubs analyzed the different alternatives, priorities and criteria for the allocation of such licenses, including initiating conversations with ALBA Berlin regarding an associate wild card for two seasons.

The meeting continued with EB executives providing clubs with a top-line view on the work conducted in recent months together with Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, a five-year commercial strategy that sets the overarching objectives of the EuroLeague and its clubs for the future. Clubs were also presented with additional strategies on specific verticals such as brand, go-to-market and digital.

As part of the digital strategy, ECA Board members approved creating a company that will drive all current and future innovation projects inside the League, effective immediately.

Members also reviewed progress on improvement of the EB ecosystem, focusing on the latest work with the EuroLeague Players Association with a view to reaching a European Framework Agreement.

Euroleague Commercial Assets Executive Board members met remotely on Tuesday, November 10, to hold key discussions on the future.

Following the restrictions that are being put into place in some European countries with regards to travel, quarantines, curfews, lockdowns and spectator prohibitions, Euroleague Basketball invited the Sports Directors from 11 domestic league competition organizers across the continent to a video conference in which all of them participated on Thursday to exchange the latest information between them.

Euroleague Basketball and domestic league sports directors meet

Following the restrictions that are being put into place in some European countries with regards to travel, quarantines, curfews, lockdowns and spectator prohibitions, Euroleague Basketball invited the Sports Directors from 11 domestic league competition organizers across the continent to a video conference in which all of them participated on Thursday to exchange the latest information between them.

The competition organizers who met with Euroleague Basketball Competition Department executives included those from the ABA, representing ex-Yugoslavia countries; ACB of Spain; BBL of Germany; BSL of Israel; BSL of Turkey (Turkish Basketball Federation); HEBA of Greece; LEGA of Italy; LKL of Lithuania; LNB of France; PBL of Belgium; and the UBL, representing ex-Union of Soviet Socialist Republic countries.

The objective of the meeting was to share and coordinate information amongst all the competition organizers who have teams participating in the 2020-21 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and/or the 7DAYS EuroCup with a view toward all parties being able to better plan the upcoming weeks and months, as well as improve the processes and protocols in place.

Euroleague Basketball did not share any alternative calendars nor alternative competition system proposals for the 2020-21 season.

During the meeting, Euroleague Basketball and each competition organizer shared the current situation in their market, the special regulations they are working under this season including triggers to suspend and reschedule games; the number of games suspended to date; the number of teams, players and referees reporting COVID-19 positive test results; short-term plans; dates that will be prioritized or avoided for rescheduled games; and government or public health authority restrictions if any are in place.

The attendees expressed a common interest in finishing the current season by assuring that all special regulations and protocols in place allow for that; by working in a collaborative environment as much as possible; and by making the protection of the health of all competition participants the primary objective. The health and safety protocols applied across the different competitions show common principles in the large majority of areas.

As more evidence of its continually expanding global footprint, Euroleague Basketball has announced a new deal to make Dafabet its premium sports betting partner in Asia during the 2020-21 season for both the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the 7DAYS EuroCup.

Dafabet becomes Euroleague Basketball partner in Asia

As more evidence of its continually expanding global footprint, Euroleague Basketball has announced a new deal to make Dafabet its premium sports betting partner in Asia during the 2020-21 season for both the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the 7DAYS EuroCup.

Dafabet, which has made a habit of investing in the most prestigious sports properties around the world, will be taking its first steps in basketball with the EuroLeague and the EuroCup. The partnership agreement includes the use of Euroleague Basketball intellectual property rights in Asia as well as brand integration in EuroLeague and EuroCup game broadcasts. Likewise, Dafabet will become a visible presence in digital and social media content for both competitions.

Its agreement with Dafabet comes on the heels of Euroleague Basketball making India-based BKT a premium partner, as well, showing that its competitions have vast appeal that knows no borders.

"We are extremely gratified that Dafabet is joining our family of partners and recognizes our ability to deliver a wide and diverse audience of devoted fans," Jordi Bertomeu, Euroleague Basketball's President and CEO, said. "The fact that they and other partners are coming to us from well outside our traditional markets shows again that the passionate brand of basketball played in the EuroLeague and the EuroCup is attractive well beyond the countries where our teams play their games."

By coming together with Dafabet, Euroleague Basketball is joining a roster of prestigious sporting sponsorships associated with its new partner, including clubs of the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga and Scottish Premiership in soccer as well as some of the biggest names in snooker, cricket, boxing, mixed martial arts and motorsports.

"This agreement with Euroleague is our first step into basketball, and we look forward to a long and successful partnership with a very professional organization," Dimitris Karatzas, CEO of Dafabet, said.

"We’re very proud to be partnering with Euroleague," John Cruces, Dafabet Head of Sponsorships, added. "Basketball is viewed worldwide and one of the most followed sports across all continents. By partnering with Euroleague Basketball, we believe it will help us increase our global footprint."

The ECA Shareholders Executive Board confirmed the modification of the Special Regulations that were originally approved by the clubs in September 2020, as proposed by Euroleague Basketball. The modification becomes applicable immediately to both the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the 7DAYS EuroCup, asserting their retroactive effect over the seven games that have been affected so far due to COVID-19 positive cases.

ECA Shareholders Executive Board approves modification of the Special Regulations due to COVID-19

The ECA Shareholders Executive Board confirmed the modification of the Special Regulations that were originally approved by the clubs in September 2020, as proposed by Euroleague Basketball. The modification becomes applicable immediately to both the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the 7DAYS EuroCup, asserting their retroactive effect over the seven games that have been affected so far due to COVID-19 positive cases.

The modified regulations will, in essence, mirror the original ones specifying the consequences of teams being prevented to play due to imposed local government travel restrictions. However, in cases where a team does not have eight players who are fit to play due to COVID-19, or the team must quarantine due to positive COVID-19 testing:

- The game can be rescheduled up to three times, if there are available dates.

- In case of no availability of dates or the maximum number of rescheduling’s being reached, the club that caused the original rescheduling will forfeit the game.

- No games will be rescheduled to be played after the following dates:

EuroCup Regular Reason (December 22, 2020)
EuroCup Top 16 (February 23, 2021)
EuroLeague Regular Season (April 13, 2021)
EuroLeague Playoffs (May 5, 2021)
The modified Special Regulations will have retroactive effect toward any decisions already applied regarding the 2020–21 season, allowing cancelled games to be rescheduled by the Euroleague Basketball CEO. The games affected to date by these modifications are:

- Turkish Airlines EuroLeague:

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne - Panathinaikos OPAP Athens (Regular Season, Round 3)
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne - Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade (Regular Season, Round 4)
TD Systems Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz - Zenit St. Petersburg (Regular Season, Round 3)
Valencia Basket - Zenit St. Petersburg (Regular Season, Round 4)
- 7DAYS EuroCup:

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - Frutti Extra Bursaspor (Regular Season, Round 2)
Umana Reyer Venice-JL Bourg en Bresse (Regular Season, Round 3)
JL Bourg en Bresse – UNICS Kazan (Regular Season, Round 4)
The modifications of the Special Regulations include reflections shared by the EuroLeague Players Association and the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board.

In the board meeting, the clubs emphasized the need to remain flexible and react to any possible situation moving forward, while always respecting the overarching principles of protecting the health of individuals, preserving the regularity of the competition, and respecting its integrity and fairness.

The updated modifications of the Special Regulations will be included in the 2020-21 Bylaws and made public in the following days.

Clubs also agreed on reinforcing the monitoring of the Health & Safety Protocols and their execution by every team in conjunction with other relevant protocols in place, with the objective of improving them and sharing best practices amongst the 42 clubs across both competitions.