Paulius Motiejunas: «Virtus is one of the most iconic clubs on the continent»

EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas talked to Tuttosport about the two Italian clubs in the league, Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna.
“Italy is one of our main markets, and therefore one of our top priorities. We’re aware of the extraordinary effort Mr. Armani and the Milan staff put in every year. Even if recent results don’t reflect it, the project is very solid and ambitious. I’m convinced that they’ll reach the playoffs in the future.
Virtus Bologna is one of the most iconic clubs in Europe. With the arrival of Mr. Zanetti, they’ve returned to a high level in a major way. They have some of the most passionate fans, and the next step is consistency—remaining at the top and competing year after year. They’re focused on that, with the construction of the new arena, which will be the foundation for long-term success.”

 

He also discussed expansion:
“It’s inevitable, but we need to determine the right timing—this decision will be made soon. There are many teams with strong, solid projects and genuine interest. We also need to analyze the impact on the calendar, ensuring we maintain competitiveness and product quality, and that the changes bring added long-term value.”

On TV rights in Italy:
“We have guaranteed broadcast deals in all major markets—except Italy. But I’m optimistic. Thanks to the support of our partner IMG, we’ve recently renewed key agreements in Germany, Turkey, and Israel, with increases ranging from 9% to 50%. Since I became CEO, TV viewership has increased by 42%.”