MILAN – Veteran basketball executive and coach Ettore Messina has once again voiced his opinion on the future of European basketball, suggesting a merger between the NBA and the EuroLeague as an ideal solution to align financial goals with sporting results. The comments, initially made to Corriere della Sera, underscore long-standing concerns about the structural challenges facing the EuroLeague and the increasing physical demands placed on its players.
Messina, currently the President of Basketball Operations for Olimpia Milano, believes a closer relationship – even a full integration – with the NBA would address fundamental imbalances within the European game. He argues that the current EuroLeague format, with its relatively narrow path to the playoffs, creates undue pressure and contributes to a higher rate of player injuries. This isn’t a new discussion; Messina has consistently advocated for changes to improve player welfare and competitive balance.
The EuroLeague’s Narrow Funnel
The core of Messina’s argument centers on the playoff qualification structure. “In the NBA, where there are 30 teams, 16 make the playoffs plus four in the play-in — two-thirds of the league,” Messina explained. “You can rotate tired players, you can even accept some losses. In the EuroLeague, six teams qualify directly and four move to the play-in — 10 out of 20, only half. It’s too narrow a funnel. That’s why every game counts, but injuries maintain piling up.” This difference in qualification rates forces EuroLeague teams to prioritize winning at all costs, limiting opportunities for player rest and strategic rotations.
For context, the NBA’s expanded playoff format, introduced in recent years, allows for more teams to compete for championship contention, reducing the pressure on individual games during the regular season. The EuroLeague, while highly competitive, operates under a more stringent system where every contest carries significant weight. This difference impacts not only player health but also the overall tactical approach of teams.
NBA Involvement: A Path to Alignment
Messina’s call for NBA involvement isn’t simply about adopting the American league’s playoff structure. He believes a deeper partnership, or even a merger, would create a more sustainable model for European basketball. “When people tell me, ‘you want the Americans to come at all costs,’ I say yes — it would bring better alignment between financial goals and sporting results,” he stated. This suggests that increased financial investment from the NBA could alleviate some of the pressures faced by EuroLeague teams, allowing them to prioritize player development and long-term success over short-term wins.
The idea of NBA expansion into Europe has been floated for years, with various proposals ranging from establishing new NBA franchises in European cities to creating a joint league. While logistical and political hurdles remain, Messina’s comments add weight to the argument that such a move could benefit both leagues. The NBA, seeking to expand its global reach, could tap into the passionate basketball fanbase in Europe, while the EuroLeague could benefit from the NBA’s financial resources and marketing expertise.
A Changing Game: From Coaches to Players
Beyond the structural issues, Messina also reflected on the evolving role of coaches in European basketball. He noted that the EuroLeague has increasingly become a “league of players rather than coaches,” suggesting that the emphasis has shifted from tactical innovation to individual talent. “Once in Europe, coaches counted a lot, today less so,” Messina observed. “And I make it a matter of system: once there was a process, a team started from a point and grew to reach another. Now we focus only on winning or losing, with exceptionally little time to train.”
This observation speaks to a broader trend in modern basketball, where athleticism and individual skill often take precedence over complex team strategies. While Messina acknowledges that the game has changed, he suggests that the current system in Europe limits opportunities for coaches to develop players and implement long-term plans. He also alluded to his own coaching style, noting that a winning record often overshadows a demanding approach.
The Jasikevicius Parallel
Messina even drew a comparison to current Bayern Munich coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, acknowledging that Jasikevicius employs a similarly demanding style. “Today Jasikevicius is more of a pain than me, but he wins and no one weighs it against him,” Messina said. This highlights the delicate balance between maintaining discipline and fostering positive relationships with players, and how success often dictates public perception.
Ettore Messina’s career speaks for itself. A four-time EuroLeague champion, he’s also enjoyed stints as an assistant coach in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers. His experience on both sides of the Atlantic gives him a unique perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of each league. His continued advocacy for change underscores his commitment to the long-term health and competitiveness of European basketball.
Looking ahead, the EuroLeague season is nearing its playoff stage. The competition for playoff spots remains fierce, and teams will undoubtedly continue to navigate the challenges of a demanding schedule and a highly competitive environment. The debate surrounding the league’s structure and the potential for NBA involvement is likely to continue, with Messina’s voice remaining a prominent one in the conversation. The next key date is the start of the EuroLeague playoffs on April 22nd, 2026.
What do you think? Should the NBA and EuroLeague explore a merger? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
