The Euroleague brings together the cream of the crop in European basketball. This is the equivalent of what the Champions League is in soccer. Indeed, this championship of very high level brings together the eighteen best professional teams of the Old Continent. No fewer than nine countries are represented: Germany, Turkey, France, Italy, Spain, Israel, Serbia, Greece, and Lithuania.
Today, the Turkish Airlines Euroleague is considered to be the second best basketball competition in the world. Only the NBA is ahead of it. Such as the games organized by the NBA, the show is on the agenda every week. Confrontations between the biggest teams in Europe are very exciting. It is true that the type of game played is different from American basketball. Nevertheless, basketball enthusiasts and specialists are still enjoying the content offered. Game systems are more advanced, defenses are tighter. The collective game takes precedence over the individualities. In Euroleague, every game counts. Each error is sanctioned by the opponent. Also, compared to the NBA, Euroleague game schedules are more accessible to basketball enthusiasts living overseas.
The Euroleague TV offer
For several years, the Euroleague has set up its own League Pass. This allows you to watch live and in replay all the games of every team. And this, in an unlimited way. Financially, it will cost you only 79.99 euros per year or 9.99 euros per month, depending on the formula chosen. By paying less than 100 euros per year, you will have access to all games played in the Euroleague. That’s more than 300 games! Eurocup games, the little sister of the Euroleague, are also included in the offer. Game commentary is provided in English by European basketball specialists. It is a delight!
Euroleague TV is available on computer, smartphone and tablet. Subscribers have the ability to view up to four games simultaneously on one screen. Exclusive content, such as pre and post-game interviews, is offered.
Good reasons to watch the Euroleague
Here are three good reasons to follow this exciting European basketball championship.
The best basketball competition in the world behind the NBA
As evidenced by the partnership signed with the private company IMG, a contract worth 872 million euros over 10 years, the Euroleague and its teams have powerful financial means. They can afford basketball stars. But also retain the majority of their best players from one season to another.
Some European glories actually refuse offers from the NBA. And this, because of more attractive salaries offered on the Old Continent. However, this does not prevent the Euroleague from also supplying the NBA reservoir each year. Many young talents are drafted. Others give in to his sirens, after having excelled for several years at the highest European level… This was notably the case of the Croatian Dario Saric and the Latvian Davis Bertans. These two European prodigies saw their names called up to the NBA, respectively in the 2014 and 2011 NBA draft. And such as Malcolm Delaney, who began his professional career in France before signing a contract with the Atlanta Hawks, American basketball players no longer hesitate to come in Europe. And this, in order to obtain exposure in order to attract the eye of recruiters from the NBA.
In addition, the level difference is also reducing from year to year between the two best basketball leagues in the world. Over the past decade, we have witnessed the defeat of the Oklahoma City Thunder against Real Madrid (142-137). And then to the narrow victory of the NBA franchise on the floor of Barcelona (89-92) during their tour in Spain.
Structured and spectacular basketball
Competing in the Euroleague and being competitive there requires above-average game intelligence. Unlike the NBA, where the physical and athletic qualities of basketball players take precedence most of the time over the rest of the aspects. The best of European basketball is gathered in the Euroleague. It is certain that apart from NBA stars, a good number of American players playing in the NBA would find their place in Europe with difficulty.
And who says Euroleague is an academic game without spectacle? It’s quite the contrary. We can see dunks, alley-oops, buzzer beaters, long-distance baskets or even devastating crossovers during Euroleague games. The powerful NBA also envies, for example, the blind passes of Milos Teodosic or the qualities of Vasilije Micić. But they currently prefer to stay in Europe and earn a few million euros before possibly giving in to the 8-figure contracts that the US franchises will offer them.
Unrivaled atmospheres in the Euroleague
Although this is true but not the case for all the teams participating in the competition, the Euroleague contains clubs supported by ten thousand spectators and more. And they make the sports arenas vibrate with songs and other noisy attitudes. We think in particular about the Zalgiris Kaunas and its room full to bursting (capacity of 15,600 seats). But also to fanatical supporters in Belgrade. They live to the rhythm of games of their favorite team. They don’t hesitate to follow their team on a trip during away games. Those atmospheres and this fervor, we don’t find it in the NBA.
