On BCL’s relationship with last year’s newcomers:
We weren’t able to establish close, personal relations that we usually do with all of our clubs, especially newcomers. Traveling was not possible. We were still, I believe, able to forge strong relationships that allowed us to have a very good collaboration.
The feedback we get from the clubs like TOFAŞ, Galatasaray, or Darüşşafaka is a very positive one and one that gives us a lot of compliments. This is something we build on, something we continue to work on. I tend to travel on the first occasion when the protocol on traveling allows for it.
Pınar Karşıyaka used to be participating in the BCL, then they went to FIBA Europe Cup for one season, now they’re back and went all the way to the Final. We have a very good collaboration with everyone in İzmir; we’re looking forward to their participation.
Similarly, we have another returning friend of ours, Beşiktaş. They’re coming back this year after a short absence. We are very pleased with the representation we have in Turkey.
On the processes of getting Beşiktaş and Malaga on board:
As I always said from the inception of the BCL, our goal has been to establish an environment that is welcoming to clubs, [one] where clubs take pleasure and honor in participating. Over the last seasons, we’ve had extensive discussions, and we have welcomed some important clubs. Along the same path, we were having continuous discussions with Unicaja Malaga. They represent one of the top leagues in Europe. For us, it’s a great pleasure to welcome them.
On the importance of the Turkish market for the BCL:
Turkish League is probably the 2nd most competitive in Europe, with close comparison to ACB. We were pleased this year to receive so many applications from clubs of Turkey. The reason we have 5 clubs is linked to the fact that Turkey is the only league in Europe that registered 4 teams out of 7 top positions of the national ranking. For us, it was a great pleasure to have so many teams coming from the top positions of BSL applied.
The Board has the privilege to also issue a few invitations. This year, we decided to extend an invitation to Galatasaray. This is based on the fact that they remain important both in basketball and in Europe. They have been invited without taking the place of any other team. All the teams from Turkey that applied have been accepted.