LONDON EUROLEAGUE NOT PENDING
EuroLeague bosses aren’t expecting a London entrant any time soon.
The league’s chief business development officer, Roser Queraltó, told SportsPro that a franchisee has been sought to build a team in the UK capital that would solely play in continental competition rather than the domestic BBL.
It is estimated that it would require a guarantee of €100 million for an initial five years.
But Queralto said: “A project like this isn’t something that you can build overnight and, in the UK, you also need to consider the fact that we will also have to build a fanbase and the product.
“In that particular territory, you also need the players for the team to be competitive; there is so much on offer in London, it would be difficult not to have the best of the best. An underperforming team would be deemed a failure for the EuroLeague.â€
However reports of firm interest in establishing a standalone team have been played down for the concept which has been circulating for three years.
“There is no deadline,†a EuroLeague source told MVP.
“We are looking for the best owner / venue combination, so it will still take time to materialise most likely.â€
The EuroLeague did host its Final Four at London’s The 02 in 2013, but to tepid interest that saw plans for a return the following year shelved.
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