REFORMING THE SYSTEM OF EUROPEAN PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL COMPETITIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/spectrum/2025-1-12Keywords:
basketball, Europe, club competitions, system, hierarchyAbstract
Introduction. Basketball in Europe has undergone significant transformations, evolving from a traditional amateur sport into a powerful commercial sector. Since the early 20th century, the development of European basketball leagues has been accompanied by competition between FIBA and ULEB, leading to changes in the competition system and management approaches. The research problem is related to the need to identify the key stages of professional basketball evolution, analyze the factors of its commercialization, and determine modern development trends. The study aim is to identify the current structure and content of the European professional basketball competition system and its transformation under the influence of economic and organizational factors. Methods. The study employs an analysis of FIBA, ULEB, and national federation regulations, statistical analysis of financial reports from basketball clubs, and a comparative method to assess changes in tournament formats. Results. The research established that the EuroLeague has gradually transitioned from an open system to a model with guaranteed spots for top clubs. The EuroCup, FIBA Champions League, and FIBA Europe Cup showcase different approaches to tournament organization. The commercialization of competitions is accompanied by increasing revenues from broadcasting rights and sponsorship contracts, contributing to heightened competition among clubs. Conclusions. European basketball is moving towards further financial stabilization and optimization of the competition system. At the same time, competition between FIBA and ULEB for control over European leagues remains. Future research should focus on analyzing the impact of economic factors on club operations and the stability of the sports system.
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