Panathinaikos legend and 3-time EuroLeague winner Mike Batiste argued that the NBA should be focused more on its own product, arguing that the EuroLeague is already one of the best competitions that is steadily growing.
Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and EuroLeague legend Mike Batiste believes the NBA isn't needed in Europe.
Even though FIBA and NBA already confirmed their partnership regarding NBA Europe, Batiste wasn't a fan of such a turn of events.
"We're hearing rumors of NBA Europe, whatnot. And I think that's why the NBA is trying to tap in over here because we have the competition, we have the pride, we have the fan passion, which is missing over there in the NBA," Batiste said during the All-25 EuroLeague Team media availability.
"And they're trying to find ways to come up over here. But I think that, you know, the EuroLeague product is good, is solid in itself. You really don't need, you know, an expansion," Batiste argued.
The 3-time EuroLeague champion also showed his support for the EuroLeague, claiming it's the best basketball competition.
"At the end of the day, really nothing competes with EuroLeague. You know, again, the fan pride, the passion, the every game matters," he said. "You know, every game is a precious situation."
"And for me, I like to be in those situations, hostile environments, and to see if I can thrive in that situation. So it's good right now. And those guys who are coming up over here know that there is good competition. And that's why they're here," Batiste continued.
Moreover, Batiste also doesn't see how the NBA could help the EuroLeague to grow its product, arguing that the European competition has been doing really well by itself in recent years.
"The pride and passion from fans and players, every game matters. Like you don't get those situations like in the NBA," Batiste noted. "And I think that from here, that's where they [NBA] need to stand on their business and improve from there, right?"
"TV ratings have been growing in the EuroLeague. Fan attendance has been growing inthe EuroLeague. The way people market it on social media has been taken off. So it's really, really growing. And I don't really see how the NBA can come in and help when we're already doing well," Batiste added.
