VTB United League Takes Part In FIBA Meetings

The VTB United League and other leading European leagues met with FIBA executives in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The VTB United League was represented by president Sergey Kushchenko, deputy general director Ilona Korstin as well as Jiri Zidek, the VTB United League's representative to the Euroleague, FIBA and other international organizations. Participants discussed the future and development of professional basketball in Europe. FIBA presented its plans, including several measures that will help the organization further integrate with professional clubs and leagues in Europe.

Specifically, European club and league representatives will be granted full voting privileges on the FIBA Europe Board. A new official body will also be created: the Professional Basketball Council, which will promote unity between basketball stakeholders and defend the interests of clubs and leagues within FIBA.

During the meetings, a common understanding was reached that stakeholders would align their competitions to a common calendar. In addition, participants discussed various topics, such as player insurance during national team competition, preparation periods prior to national team tournaments, FIBA's new regulations, and the introduction of the FIBA Europe Cup as the second cup in Europe by the 2016-17 season.