Former NBA Europe Vice President Becomes EuroLeague CEO

EuroLeague shareholders met Friday in Barcelona to elect the competition’s new CEO. With the support of Real Madrid, among others, Chus Bueno was unanimously chosen (13-0) to replace Paulius Motiejunas in this strategic role. The interest shown by the Spanish giant, after two years of distance from EuroLeague decisions, is also seen as a signal of its future intentions regarding the competition, reports EuroHoops and Marca.

An exceptional profile facing European challenges

As previously reported, two candidates were in the running: Chus Bueno and Michael Ilgner, former HR director of Deutsche Bank. The majority ultimately chose the Spaniard, considered the ideal person to represent the institution facing future challenges in a complicated situation.

The former professional point guard, who played several years in ACB, has significant experience in global basketball offices. He began his career at 25 as general secretary of ABP (Association of Professional Basketball Players) and UBE (European Basketball Players Association). At only 36, he was already executive director and general secretary of FEB (Spanish Basketball Federation).

Subsequently, he served as Vice President of NBA operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East for nearly 13 years, notably participating in the creation of BAL, the NBA‘s African league. More recently, he was general manager of Legends for Spain and Portugal, then general manager of DAZN Basketball internationally.

A major challenge for EuroLeague’s future

Chus Bueno takes the helm of EuroLeague at a crucial moment, with some teams willing to leave the competition to embark on the NBA project, which plans to land in Europe with a new tournament in 2027. His goal will be to strengthen the competition with the entry of new investors and tighten negotiation ties with the NBA and FIBA.

The Spanish executive is expected to sign a medium-term contract, probably four years, to have time to develop his project. EuroLeague officials consider him the perfect person to move forward, strengthen the competition and resolve the serious problems that even threaten its medium-term future with the NBA and FIBA.