Laporta discusses FC Barcelona’s future between Euroleague and NBA Europe

Joan Laporta took advantage of La Vanguardia Forums to discuss the future of FC Barcelona‘s basketball section, a topic he rarely addresses but which is of critical importance. The Barcelona president confirmed ongoing discussions regarding the EuroLeague license renewal, while keeping an eye on the NBA‘s expansion projects in Europe.

A conditional renewal with the Euroleague

Barça’s EuroLeague license expires in June 2026, and competition officials have proposed a ten-year renewal. However, Laporta wants to maintain strategic flexibility. « They have proposed a ten-year renewal. Clubs that don’t renew lose the rights they acquired as founding members, and Barça is one of the founding members, » explained the Barcelona president.

« We are trying to make the EuroLeague understand that Barça is important in this competition, and they understand it. Our proposal is that we will renew, but we must have some flexibility in case the NBA proposal is better or materializes, » he specified.

The financial appeal of NBA Europe

The NBA Europe project represents a major economic opportunity for European clubs. « The NBA wants to establish a European division. It seems very attractive. Basketball, like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and many other clubs, operates at a loss, and they are making proposals that guarantee fixed revenues far exceeding what we currently earn, » Laporta revealed.

However, the NBA‘s requirements pose challenges. « They also ask to manage the Palau Blaugrana or even build it themselves. However, for us, giving up the management of the Palau is difficult, » he admitted. The NBA wants « a franchise in every major European city, including Barcelona. »

Laporta is banking on the historic rivalry with Real Madrid: « Any competition in the world that includes Barça and Real Madrid is a competition that works. If this rivalry didn’t exist, we would have to create it. »

Regarding the current roster, the president confirmed his satisfaction with Xavi Pascual’s recruitment while ruling out immediate new signings. « We have already told Xavi that no new signings are planned. But it is also true that, if there was a major setback, we would find a way to make signings if it was absolutely necessary. »