ALBA Berlin questions EuroLeague's future direction.© (@TheMidRangeNews )
ALBA Berlin’s Managing Director Marco Baldi has voiced concerns about the club’s future in the EuroLeague and the league’s decision-making processes. Speaking about the current structure, Baldi criticized the exclusive influence of the 13 A-licensed teams on significant decisions, including the selection of the Final Four venue, which has been reported to take place in Abu Dhabi.
Baldi noted that the league’s governance, which excludes input from non-shareholder teams like ALBA Berlin, raises questions about fairness and inclusivity. “The big problem in the EuroLeague seems to be the lack of unity among the clubs. The management structure has shifted from a former CEO to the A-license clubs. While this can work, it becomes challenging without agreement,” Baldi explained.
ALBA Berlin, currently competing under a one-season wildcard valued at one million euros, has faced challenges in the EuroLeague, holding a 3-11 record. The team has also struggled in the domestic BBL, with a record of 3-6. Injuries to eight key players simultaneously have compounded the team’s difficulties.
“What hasn’t happened in 35 years is that we had eight top performers injured simultaneously,” Baldi told BILD. He acknowledged the toll on the team’s performance, saying, “The results are not good, and returning players are focused on their recovery. The coaches are improvising, which adds to the pressure.”
Despite the setbacks, Baldi expressed confidence in head coach Israel Gonzalez, dismissing rumours of a potential coaching change. “We have a clear orientation. Our young, talented players need an appropriate environment and a specific coach. We have him,” Baldi stated, adding that the club is not considering changes to the coaching staff or players now.
The Managing Director also addressed the team’s inconsistent effort, highlighting the 85-113 loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv in Round 12 as particularly troubling. “This game was incomprehensible to me,” Baldi admitted. “The effort, a constant this season, was missing. The uncertainty is great.”
Looking ahead, Baldi emphasized the need for the EuroLeague to adopt a more strategic and inclusive approach. “We love the EuroLeague and want to be there, but without a clear strategy for the future, it’s hard for us to commit,” Baldi said. He stressed the importance of long-term planning for the league and club, concluding, “A clear strategy is not visible at the moment. We can’t commit ourselves if we don’t know where it’s going.”
ALBA Berlin recently took a small step forward in their EuroLeague campaign with a 90-88 victory over Virtus Bologna in Round 13. However, challenges remain as the team navigates injuries, performance issues, and uncertainty about long-term participation in the EuroLeague.
