Euroleague Basketball expresses its condolences to the family of Spanish basketball upon learning of the passing of Jorge Guillen, the long-time team doctor of Joventut Badalona.

Born on 1937, Guillen was linked to basketball since his youth, developing a professional playing career in several teams – Iberia Zaragoza, Aismalibar Montcada and Águilas Bilbao, among others – and playing 13 games with the Spanish national team, including one Olympic Games participation.

After his retirement as a basketball player in 1967, he became the official team doctor of Joventut Badalona for more than 45 years, helping the team lift its first-ever Euroleague title (1994), two Korac Cups (1981 and 1990), and one ULEB Cup (2008).

Jorge Guillen devoted his whole life to sports medicine, also serving as team doctor for the Spanish national basketball team, Spanish national football  federation, the Olympic Committee and the UEFA Doping Committee. Among many other recognitions, he was inducted last year into the Spanish Basketball Hall of fame.

Euroleague Basketball mourns Jorge Guillen

The order of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup Round 3 games involving Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv have been switched.

The BKT EuroCup [Regular Season Round 3 game between Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-wolves-vilnius/U2023/13/), scheduled for October 17, will be played in Venice instead of Tel Aviv while Round 12 game will be played in Tel Aviv.

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague [Regular Season Round 3 game between Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-valencia-basket/E2023/26/), scheduled for October 18, will be played in Valencia instead of Tel Aviv while Round 32 game will be played in Tel Aviv

This decision has been taken following the terror attacks and onset of armed conflict in Israel.

Order of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Umana Reyer Venice and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Valencia Basket switched

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Wolves Vilnius, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv Round 2 game suspended

The BKT EuroCup Regular Season Round 2 game between Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and Wolves Vilnius, which was scheduled to be played on October 11, and the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 2 game between EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, scheduled for October 12, have been suspended following the terror attacks and onset of armed conflict in Israel.

Euroleague Basketball is monitoring the situation and will evaluate with the affected teams the best possible options to reschedule the games based on available dates. Further information will be released when available.

Euroleague Basketball reiterates its firm commitment against all acts of violence and in favor of peace, and will continue to use its voice to promote respect, inclusion and diversity, values that sit at the core of the organization and its teams.

Euroleague Basketball wishes to express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by the ongoing tragedy.

Hapoel-Wolves, Milan-Maccabi Round 2 games suspended

EuroLeague Basketball and Panini America, a subsidiary of the Panini Group, global leader in trading cards and collectibles reaching 150 countries and territories, announced a multi-year landmark partnership that makes Panini the Official Trading Card partner of the EuroLeague and will bring basketball fans an unparalleled collectible experience. This collaboration, set to revolutionize the world of sports card collecting, will see the creation of an exclusive Turkish Airlines EuroLeague card collection, offering fans a chance to connect with their favorite athletes in a whole new way.

Euroleague Basketball, Panini America sign multi-year trading card partnership

### Turkish Airlines EuroLeague collection to launch first with Panini Instant beginning in October

EuroLeague Basketball and Panini America, a subsidiary of the Panini Group, global leader in trading cards and collectibles reaching 150 countries and territories, announced a multi-year landmark partnership that makes Panini the Official Trading Card partner of the EuroLeague and will bring basketball fans an unparalleled collectible experience. This collaboration, set to revolutionize the world of sports card collecting, will see the creation of an exclusive Turkish Airlines EuroLeague card collection, offering fans a chance to connect with their favorite athletes in a whole new way.

The first EuroLeague trading cards will launch via Panini’s real-time Panini Instant product to celebrate the key EuroLeague performances as they happen. Basketball fans can look forward to stunning card designs featuring the best EuroLeague players, showcasing their skills, athleticism, and passion for the game across four of Panini’s most popular brands, beginning with Panini Instant and followed by  Donruss EuroLeague, Prizm EuroLeague and Crown Royale EuroLeague. The collections will include a range of limited-edition cards, making each card a unique and valuable item for collectors, including autographed cards, memorabilia cards, and rare inserts. Donruss will feature compelling action photography and the popular Downtown! insert; Prizm, meanwhile, will deliver its trademark arsenal of Prizm parallels and the spectacular Color Blast chase before introducing the Crown Royale brand. 

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague collection will be available globally on Panini’s official website.

"We are excited to partner with Panini, a company known for its commitment to quality and innovation.” said, Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO . “This collaboration will allow us to bring the passion of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague to collectors and fans representing an incredible opportunity for us to build iconic products that will captivate audiences globally and boost the engagement with the EuroLeague fans."

“We look forward to working with the EuroLeague to showcase its players and deliver some of our most popular trading card brands to EuroLeague fans – giving them something special to collect that features their favorite teams and players,” said Mark Warsop, CEO of Panini America.

Euroleague Basketball and Panini America sign multi-year trading card partnership

The annual EuroLeague ELPA Player Representatives Meeting took place in Barcelona on Thursday, bringing one player from each Turkish Airlines EuroLeague club together with Euroleague Basketball executives to discuss relevant issues ahead of the new season. Held at Euroleague Basketball headquarters, the meeting offered an opportunity to show players the direction the competition is heading for in the 2023-24 season and beyond.

ELPA player representatives meet with Euroleague Basketball executives

The annual EuroLeague ELPA Player Representatives Meeting took place in Barcelona on Thursday, bringing one player from each Turkish Airlines EuroLeague club together with Euroleague Basketball executives to discuss relevant issues ahead of the new season. Held at Euroleague Basketball headquarters, the meeting offered an opportunity to show players the direction the competition is heading for in the 2023-24 season and beyond.

Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga was the first person to take the floor, welcoming everyone to the meeting.

"It is no secret that last season was one to remember," Bodiroga said. "More fans than ever filled our arenas, more eyeballs than ever watched our games and the content around them on television and digital platforms. On the court, you delivered a top-class experience with what was arguably the most competitive season in EuroLeague history.

"We want to listen to all your ideas and thoughts. We want to help you about any doubt you may have and we want to support you with your initiatives, because players are the true protagonists of the game and your opinion matters. I wish you all a successful and healthy season."

Euroleague Basketball sports director Ibrahim Erkan addressed players about the biggest change in the competition system: the Play-in Tournament, set to take place after the regular season and before the playoffs. He also talked about calendar rules and how double rounds are set to avoid games on consecutive days, among other restrictions.

It was the first meeting of this kind for new Officiating Director Daniel Hierrezuelo, who introduced a couple of new features to help players before and during the season. A number of referees will meet with all EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup teams before the season starts to make sure everyone is in the same page. Another new feature is that referees and team captains will briefly meet on the court before each and every EuroLeague game. In those meetings, questions about rules and any other pertinent information may be covered, and players will be reminded to play within the spirit of the rules and with appropriate sportsmanlike behavior.

"Probably some of you are happy because you are not meeting me on the court, but this is understandable," Hierrezuelo, who recently retired from refereeing, joked in his presentation. "I just arrived three months ago but I will put all of my effort to teaching my partners in a good way to help you, on and off the court. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any problems of any kind."

The players received a breakdown of the competition's fan engagement through television, social media and digital avenues, showing where the largest and most active fan bases are, and in which countries' TV audience and online viewers are growing. This was followed by a presentation on how fan growth and interest in the EuroLeague has developed in the last five seasons, with all-time records being broken in attendance and social media hits.

Also discussed was how EuroLeague is making an effort to put players in the forefront, offering a high-quality platform to promote them. A Quarter with Kyle Hines and The Player's View with Jake Cohen and Michael Roll were some of the examples. Cohen and Hines were present in the meeting, representing Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, respectively.

"I think Euroleague has done a great job of doing this and including the players and making the players feel like their voices are able to be heard," Hines said. "The meeting with the referees is very important because we are all on the court at the same time. So I think the relationship that we have with each other, it will help improve the game, help improve the overall performance of the game, the appearance of the game. So it's very important that we are able to establish this connection with the referees."

Euroleague Basketball also wanted to emphasize and reinforce its commitment to maintain the integrity of its competitions, and gave players instructions on what to do if they suspect integrity is being compromised.

"I have been to a few of these \[meetings\] now and it's great to see the progress that the league has made, and I think it's because of the cooperation of all the people involved," Cohen said. "I think it's a big reason why the EuroLeague has progressed the last few years; the participation, the cooperation of all the parties involved, between the league, the teams, the players and the fans. When we all get together try to work for something better, it's great what we can do."

Euroleague Basketball and sportal.gr, an innovative and fast-growing Greek digital sports media portal, have entered into a media partnership.

Sportal. gr becomes the official media partner of Euroleague basketball in Greece

**Visit [Sportal's EuroLeague section](https://www.sportal.gr/basket/euroleague) to get the best information of Euroleague Basketball in Greek.**

Euroleague Basketball and [sportal.gr](http://sportal.gr), an innovative and fast-growing Greek digital sports media portal, have entered into a media partnership.

Starting today, [Sportal.gr](http://Sportal.gr) will become the official online destination for all Euroleague Basketball fans. This collaboration will enhance the fan experience and provide Euroleague Basketball with an unparalleled level of coverage over the next two exciting seasons.

As part of its partnership with Euroleague Basketball, [sportal.gr](http://sportal.gr) will launch an exclusive section on its website dedicated exclusively to Euroleague Basketball, serving as a one-stop shop for all basketball fans. This special section promises a range of captivating content, including video highlights, breaking news, comprehensive articles, interactive polls, exciting contests, real-time live stats, up-to-date results, league tables, an extensive photo gallery, plus other exciting features.

The coverage of [sportal.gr](http://sportal.gr) includes all participating teams of the most important European basketball competitions – the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (Olympiacos Piraeus, Panathinaikos Athens) and the BKT Eurocup (Aris MideaThessaloniki) – and offers a comprehensive perspective on both competitions to satisfy the hunger of basketball fans for high-quality content.

The impact of [sportal.gr](http://sportal.gr) extends even further beyond Greece, as [sportal.gr](http://sportal.gr) is an integral part of the Ringier Sports Media Group (RSMG), which brings together nine national leaders in digital sports media, combining their collective expertise with global technology solutions. Presently, this includes Sportal Media Group in Bulgaria, comprising [sportal.bg](http://sportal.bg) and Sportal365; Gazeta Sporturilor and [gsp.ro](http://gsp.ro) in Romania; [sportal.rs](http://sportal.rs) in Serbia; [sportal.hu](http://sportal.hu) in Hungary; [sport.sk](http://sport.sk) in Slovakia; A Bola and [abola.pt](http://abola.pt) in Portugal and [sportal.gr](http://sportal.gr) in Greece. The strategic investment in the British LiveScore Group in 2022 further underscores RSMG’s worldwide aspirations. RSMG reaches millions of sports fans monthly in Europe.

Stilian Shishkov, Senior Partner of Ringier Sports Media Group (RSMG): "We are thrilled and deeply honored to join forces with Euroleague Basketball, a respected sports organization with a rich history of success. Euroleague Basketball holds a special place in the hearts of basketball fans as it continues to provide captivating moments on the court. With this partnership, [sportal.gr](http://sportal.gr) will be able to create a comprehensive digital offering for its readers. Together we want to share countless unforgettable moments."

Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Euroleague Basketball, Marketing & Communication Senior Director: "We are delighted to partner with [Sportal.gr](http://Sportal.gr) in such a traditional and important market as Greece. [Sportal.gr](http://Sportal.gr)’s rapid growth and commitment to excellence in providing sports fans with exciting content makes them the perfect partner for Euroleague Basketball to serve the existing fanbase and expose the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup to new fans."

Christos Christou, Managing Director of [sportal.gr](http://sportal.gr): “We are very happy and honored to partner with Euroleague, one of the most successful sports organizations in sports history. Basketball has always been the most beloved sport for Greek fans, and every year the Greek teams thrive either in the EuroLeague or EuroCup, offering lifetime emotions to their fans! [Sportal.gr](http://Sportal.gr) will create a holistic digital basketball section for its readers with lots of highlights, original video production, weekly studio live shows, video interviews, articles, stats, competitions, and viral social content, spreading the vibe of this amazing tournament and sharing many devoted moments."

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that Movistar Plus+ has been chosen as its new TV partner for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in Spain, which guarantees that the country's devoted basketball fans can enjoy the best broadcast and content quality.

Spain is one of the most traditional pan-European basketball markets, with four participating teams during the 2023-24 season: Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, FC Barcelona, Valencia Basket and reigning EuroLeague champion Real Madrid.

Movistar Plus+ becomes the broadcast home of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in Spain

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that Movistar Plus+ has been chosen as its new TV partner for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in Spain, which guarantees that the country's devoted basketball fans can enjoy the best broadcast and content quality.

Spain is one of the most traditional pan-European basketball markets, with four participating teams during the 2023-24 season: Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, FC Barcelona, Valencia Basket and reigning EuroLeague champion Real Madrid.

Movistar Plus+, owned by Spanish telecommunications giant Telefonica, will broadcast every Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fixture played by a Spanish team, in addition to a selection of top games from across the league, starting on October 5. The top two games of each round will be available to all Movistar Plus+ customers. Should fans want to enjoy the full experience, with up to five games per round, including all fixtures by Spanish teams, these will be available through Movistar's enhanced package on different channels.

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returns to Movistar Plus+, which broadcasted Europe's premier club basketball competition until the 2019-20 season. The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague strengthens the basketball portfolio of Movistar Plus+, as it is the current rights holder of the NBA and the Spanish domestic league (ACB); this new agreement offers Spanish basketball fans an unmatchable experience.

"We’re glad to find a new home in Movistar Plus+ for the next three seasons” stated Paulius Motiejunas Euroleague Basketball CEO. "Movistar Plus+ is synonymous with quality. I am sure that the large and growing fanbase in Spain will enjoy the broadcasts of the competition, and not only the live games but also the extensive programming around them.”

"We at Movistar Plus+ are all especially happy to have the EuroLeague once again joining our sports content portfolio. We have made great efforts to become one more time the main reference for all basketball fans by gathering together the top competitions both on a national and international level: the acb, NBA and, of course, the EuroLeague. We will work very hard to meet that commitment and make sure fans enjoy the show." stated Enric Rojas, Movistar Plus+ Sports Director.

#### About Euroleague Basketball

Euroleague Basketball (EB) is a global leader in the sports and entertainment business, devoted to running the top European competitions of professional basketball clubs under a unique and innovative organizational model. Owned and administered by some of the most successful and historic clubs in the world, EB manages the continent’s two premier men’s basketball competitions, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup, as well as the sport’s premier under-18 showcase, the EB Adidas Next Generation Tournament. In 2016, Euroleague Basketball formed a Joint Venture with IMG Media (an Endeavor company) to manage global, media, marketing and commercial rights, having propelled exposure and awareness to record numbers.

The EB competitions bring the elite of European basketball to all five continents and to the entire sports community through the OTT platform EuroLeague TV. EB also organizes a series of community and educational activities, led by the One Team program, in alignment with the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. On the academic side, the EB Sports Business MBA trains future professionals in sports management.

#### About Movistar Plus+

Movistar Plus+ is the leading audiovisual entertainment offering of the Telefónica Group in Spain. Its proposition includes bold original productions and the best premium sports content, films, series, documentaries and programmes, in addition to the best functionalities and on-demand access so users can enjoy watching television wherever, however and whenever they wish. The Movistar Plus+ offering also includes some of the top international operators with which we have established strategic partnerships in Spain, such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and DAZN, along with the Spanish platforms ATRESPlayer, Mitele and FlixOlé.

In order to strengthen our leadership and expedite our position as the integrator of the best entertainment experience on the market, we are committed to forming strategic partnerships with the most important operators in the sector, offering a personalized experience and original and exclusive content that even further differentiates us from the competition: The Plague, Riot Police, Hierro, Madrid on Fire, Offworld, Prison 77, and La Resistencia are all clear examples of this policy.

After the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season proved to be one of the most competitive in the history of elite basketball, the initiatives that were generated around it by Euroleague Basketball and its partners are now being showered with award nominations within the sports business world.

Euroleague, partners share seven Sports Business Award nominations

After the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season proved to be one of the most competitive in the history of elite basketball, the initiatives that were generated around it by Euroleague Basketball and its partners are now being showered [with award nominations](https://sportsbusinessawards.co.uk/2023-finalists/) within the sports business world.

The recently announced shortlists for the [Sports Business Awards 2023](https://sportsbusinessawards.co.uk/2023-finalists/), whose winners will be revealed in November, features no fewer than seven categories featuring Euroleague Basketball and its partners.

From the season's promotional video to the Final Four broadcasts, the One Team corporate social responsibility program, technological advances in virtual reality and bodycams on referees, and the new Euroleague Basketball websites, the nominations recognize the content and community initiatives that filled last season with much more than basketball for fans.

The [Sports Business Awards](https://sportsbusinessawards.co.uk/), launched in 2017, highlight and reward achievement by those behind the scenes in the sporting industry and celebrate the vital influence of business within sport by recognizing the organizations, teams and individuals who excel in their roles.

**Best Sports-Related Commercial or Promotional Video**

[The EuroLeague Maze](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb7rPpLmZqU&t=2s) - Euroleague Basketball

**Most Successful Sports Event Broadcast**

[2023 EuroLeague Final Four](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxK1F8T-onE&t=45s) - IMG Productions

**Best Sports Community or CSR Scheme (non-football)**

[One Team project](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/one-team/) - EuroLeague Basketball

**Best Sports Marketing Initiative**

[Taking Basketball to a Global Fanbase](https://www.unrvld.com/work/euroleague-basketball) - UNRVLD and EuroLeague Basketball

**Sponsorship/Partnership of the Year**

[Taking Basketball to a Global Fanbase](https://www.unrvld.com/work/euroleague-basketball) - UNRVLD and EuroLeague Basketball

**Sports Innovation Award**

[2023 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four referees bodycam](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynrS9fivSVA) – MindFly

**Sports Technology of the Year**

[EuroLeague TV VR](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-basketball-and-ybvr-to-stream-euroleague-games-in-vr/) - Yerba Buena VR

Just like the teams and players spread across the continent and beyond are getting ready for a new season, the complete cohort of Euroleague Basketball referees came together to hold their own four-day preparation session for the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup over the weekend.

Euroleague Basketball Officials Clinic celebrates 32nd edition

Just like the teams and players spread across the continent and beyond are getting ready for a new season, the complete cohort of Euroleague Basketball referees came together to hold their own four-day preparation session for the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup over the weekend.

The 32nd Clinic for Euroleague Basketball Officials was held between Thursday and Sunday in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and saw all 68 referees due to work EuroLeague and EuroCup games starting the first week of October in attendance alongside 12 referee coaches and several special guests.

Their agenda was a busy one and included the first presentation to his former colleagues from Daniel Hierrezuelo, Euroleague Basketball's new Director of Officiating.

"This is the first time since my nomination as Euroleague Basketball Senior Director of Officiating that I have the opportunity to address to all our referees in person the main ideas and concepts that we will introduce during the 2023-24 season," Hierrezuelo said. "We have a strong group of 68 referees who have shared their knowledge, opinions and experience on many different topics during these four days as I firmly believe that teamwork, honesty and mutual respect are some  of the core principles to improve officiating quality”

Among the special guests who also presented to the referees were Zeljko Obradovic, head coach of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, whose presentation took place on the floor at Stozice Arena; Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Euroleague Head Coaches Board Vice-President; Costas Rigas, former Euroleague Basketball Senior Director; Mar Rovira, Sports Psychologist; Gianluca Mazzoncini, Physical Trainer; and Goran Sasic, Euroleague Head Coaches Board Executive Director.

The various subjects addressed over more than 12 hours daily of the clinic included an analysis of instant replay use; a discussion of the parameters of marginal contact; a video session to study act-of-shooting and verticality calls; officiating standards, rules tests and more. There was also an emphasis put on communication while working in cross-cultural environments.

All that was in addition to the copious physical testing, reviews of officiating statistics and protocols, as well as open discussion sessions and group work among the referees themselves.

The four days of intense preparations served to assure that the 68 referees, all of whom worked in the competitions last season, will hit the ground running when the EuroLeague and EuroCup get rolling next month.