After 3 and a half years there is a cambio al timone di Euroleague: via Paulius Motiejunas, dentro Jesus “Chus” Bueno. The Spanish manager was elected unanimously by the 13 founding clubs, includingOlimpia Milanand takes the place of the Lithuanian, in office since June 2022.
The candidacy of Bueno, a 56-year-old Spaniard, was supported above all by the Real Madridthe most talked about club to say goodbye to the Euroleague to embrace the nascent one NBA Europe. And Bueno’s choice seems to go in this direction, given his 12 years experience from 2010 to 2022 working for NBA holding the roles of Vice President for Europe, Africa and the Middle East and Managing Director of NBA Spain. Unlike Motiejunas, who took a hard line towards NBA Europe, the Spaniard’s choice could lead to a rapprochement with FIBA, or at least an attempt for the good of the clubs.
Buenowhich was also professional player in the late 80s with Barcelonathen embarked on a managerial path in the world of basketball, starting with the Spanish Basketball Players Association (ABP). In 2006 he joined the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) as Executive Director, contributing to one of the most successful periods in the history of the Spanish national team.
The Euroleague press release
“Chus Bueno will lead the overall Euroleague Basketball strategy, with focus on business growth, enhancing the game and fan experience, and expanding into new markets and audienceswhile maximizing the value offered to clubs, partners, players and fans. His mandate is to continue to build on the success achieved over the last 25 seasons and to further position the EuroLeague, the BKT EuroCup and the NextGen EuroLeague as the undisputed flagship basketball competitions in Europe.”
Il saluto a Motiejunas
The Euroleague note on the Lithuanian manager who led the expansion to 20 teams and the expansion towards the Middle Eastern market, between the 2025 Final Four in Abu Dhabu and Dubai’s entry into the league: “The clubs would like to express their gratitude to Paulius Motiejunas for his service, commitment and dedication during his tenure. Under his leadership, the organization has achieved significant milestones and continued growth that has helped strengthen its position within the basketball ecosystem. The Board of Directors remains fully committed to Euroleague Basketball’s mission of promoting excellence, innovation and sustainable growth in European basketball.”
