Belgrade’s Basketball Intensity Astounds NBA Legend Brian Windhorst
Brian Windhorst, a renowned journalist from ESPN known for his basketball expertise, recently visited Belgrade to witness the intense rivalry between Partizan and Red Star in a Euroleague clash. The Partizan-Red Star derby did not fail to impress Windhorst, who placed the game among the top three basketball events he’s ever witnessed, alongside the 2016 NBA Finals Game 7 and the Olympic gold medal match.
Windhorst, who was joined by several NBA scouts and team executives, was amazed by the sheer intensity and passion displayed by the Belgrade crowd, stating that “everyone who attends these games says it’s the most intense thing they’ve experienced in a basketball arena.”
NBA’s European Ambitions and Challenges
Windhorst also addressed the NBA’s plans to venture into Europe, expressing skepticism about the project’s success due to cultural differences and established basketball traditions in Europe. He believes that the NBA has no plans to include Belgrade in the new competition, considering it the heart of European basketball outside the United States.
Windhorst argues that the NBA wants to partner with soccer giants like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, but the nature of European basketball isn’t similar to professional basketball in the US. “The NBA wants to entertain the masses, but people in Europe go to basketball games because their fathers’ fathers cheered for that team,” he explained.
Windhorst even questioned whether Europeans would be willing to pay to watch an NBA-style match streamed on Netflix or Amazon, highlighting the significant challenge the NBA faces in transplanting its model to Europe.
Two Hemispheres, One Court: A Potential Showdown
- The NBA’s push into Europe threatens to create a direct confrontation with the Euroleague, as both competitions aim for hegemonic dominance.
- The new competition plans to debut in October 2027, creating a dangerous scenario with two rival leagues competing for dominance.
- In January, the NBA will begin searching for investors and clubs to join its new European proposal, while the Euroleague faces a crucial deadline on January 15 for clubs to sign new ties until 2036.
- Several high-profile clubs, including ASVEL, Fenerbahçe, and Barcelona, are considering leaving the Euroleague, while Real Madrid remains uncertain about its future allegiance.
FAQs
- Why is the Belgrade derby so intense?
The Partizan-Red Star rivalry spans decades, with both clubs boasting rich histories and passionate fan bases. The intense atmosphere is a result of deep-seated local rivalries and cultural pride. - What challenges does the NBA face in expanding to Europe?
Cultural differences in fandom and preferences for traditional basketballlifestyles may make it difficult for the NBA to replicate its success in Europe. Additionally, direct competition with the Euroleague could lead to market fragmentation and reduced viewership.
– “I don’t know if they can make so much money move in Europe.” – Brian Windhorst
📢 Call to Action: Share your thoughts on the NBA’s expansion into Europe and the intense atmosphere of the Belgrade derby in the comments below. Which league do you think will prevail in the potential power struggle? Join the conversation!