Basketball's EuroLeague: Second only to the NBA - DW

Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 11:10 GMT by dw
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EuroLeague: Europe’s Basketball Crown, Second Only to the NBA

The 2024 edition of the EuroLeague continues to stand as the definitive showcase of club basketball in the world, a title that the league’s own executives and the broader basketball community insist sits just behind the NBA in terms of quality, star power, and commercial clout. A recent Deutsche Welle feature, “Basketball’s EuroLeague: Second Only to the NBA,” pulls together the facts, figures and narratives that explain why the EuroLeague is, in the modern era, the second‑most prestigious professional basketball competition on the planet.

1. A Brief History of the EuroLeague

The EuroLeague’s roots lie in the FIBA European Champions Cup, founded in 1958, which had, for decades, been the principal competition for national league champions across the continent. In 2000, a rift between FIBA and Euroleague Basketball – the newly created commercial entity – culminated in the break‑away of the top clubs and the birth of the modern EuroLeague. That split introduced a licensing system that guarantees the participation of 18 clubs each season, irrespective of their domestic league performance, thereby providing stability and a high level of competition.

The article points out that the licensing model – a controversial but effective mechanism – has enabled clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, CSKA Moscow, Fenerbahçe, and Panathinaikos to remain at the top tier consistently, creating a “stable elite” that rivals the NBA’s 30‑team structure.

2. Format, Playoffs and the Final Four

EuroLeague’s regular season starts in September and concludes in March. Each of the 18 clubs plays 34 games (a double‑round robin), with the top eight advancing to the playoffs. Unlike the NBA’s 16‑team elimination bracket, the EuroLeague playoff round is a best‑of‑five series, giving teams a chance to recover from early setbacks. The Final Four – held annually in a single venue – crowns the champion after two‑day knockout games. In 2023, Real Madrid claimed its 11th title, a fact that the DW article cites as proof of the league’s enduring dominance.

The piece notes that the competition’s compact schedule allows for a “basketball‑in‑the‑making” narrative, where the same core group of players can develop chemistry over consecutive seasons, a feature that has led to some of the most cohesive teams in European basketball history.

3. Player Talent: From “Future NBA Stars” to Established Superstars

While the NBA is a magnet for the world’s best talent, the EuroLeague has long served as a springboard for players destined for the NBA and as a refuge for seasoned professionals who prefer a different style of play. The DW article cites a handful of current and former EuroLeague stars – Luka Dončić (now in the NBA), Nikola Jokić (already a 2023 NBA MVP), Vasilis Spanoulis, and the legendary Tony Parker – to demonstrate the high calibre of the talent on offer.

Notably, the article emphasizes that the league’s style, which leans more heavily on tactical discipline, team defense and ball‑movement, can refine a player’s game before they take the jump to the NBA. This developmental aspect has made the EuroLeague an attractive destination for young prospects and for veterans who wish to showcase their skills on a global stage.

4. Financial and Commercial Aspects

EuroLeague’s business model is a central theme in the DW piece. Unlike the NBA’s revenue‑sharing structure and salary cap, EuroLeague clubs operate under a “budget cap” – a collective limit that keeps spending in check while still allowing for high‑profile signings. The league’s lucrative broadcasting deals (especially in Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey) and its partnership with the streaming platform EuroLeague TV have propelled it into the top three global basketball leagues in terms of television revenue.

The article points out that the licensing model and the “no promotion/relegation” policy also contribute to the financial stability of clubs, allowing them to plan long‑term without the risk of sudden relegation that can destabilize a club’s finances. This stability, the piece argues, is one of the reasons the EuroLeague can afford to compete with the NBA for marquee signings.

5. Global Reach and Cultural Impact

EuroLeague’s cultural influence is far‑reaching. The DW article underscores how the competition’s fan base spans over 40 countries, with a dedicated following in nations where basketball is second only to football. The league’s marquee matches, such as the “Derby of Europe” between Real Madrid and Barcelona, are watched by millions, and the league has a strong presence on social media and streaming platforms that reach younger audiences worldwide.

Moreover, the EuroLeague’s “global events” – including the annual “EuroLeague Final Four” in cities like Madrid, Belgrade, and Berlin – serve as both sporting spectacles and cultural showcases, drawing fans from around the world to experience European basketball at its finest.

6. Challenges and the Road Ahead

No discussion of the EuroLeague would be complete without acknowledging the obstacles it faces. The article touches on three key issues:

Competition with the NBA – As the NBA continues to grow its international brand, the EuroLeague must keep offering compelling talent and narratives to stay relevant.
Player Drain – The “star‑drain” to the NBA remains a concern; retaining top talent long enough to build a stable team is essential.
Commercial Expansion – While television deals are lucrative, the league is looking to expand into new markets (e.g., the United States and Latin America) to diversify revenue streams.

Euroleague Basketball’s leadership has responded by investing in marketing, creating the “EuroLeague Academy” to develop young talent, and negotiating new broadcasting agreements in key territories.

7. Final Verdict: Why the EuroLeague is the Second Most Prestigious Basketball League

The Deutsche Welle article concludes with a clear thesis: the EuroLeague’s unique combination of elite competition, stable club structure, high‑level talent, and growing commercial clout makes it the indisputable second best basketball league worldwide. Its status is not merely about basketball skill; it’s about a distinctive culture that prizes teamwork, tactical intelligence, and a different brand of entertainment that resonates with millions across the globe.

In a sports landscape where the NBA commands a dominant share of attention, the EuroLeague’s continued innovation, high‑profile players, and strategic growth plans ensure that it remains the definitive destination for European club basketball – and a formidable rival to the NBA on the international stage.

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