Giannis Sfairopoulos at European Parliament: "Basketball Must Not Become Just a Commercial Product"

Giannis Sfairopoulos, Vice President of the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, was a principal speaker at the initiative "Strengthening European Basketball: Sustainable Growth and Safeguards for the European Sport Model," held on March 24 in Brussels at the European Parliament. The event, hosted under the patronage of European Commissioner Glenn Micallef, convened political figures and stakeholders from the sports sector, including Members of Parliament and EuroLeague executives such as CEO Chus Bueno and ambassador Joe Arlauckas. Sfairopoulos presented a vision where sport, and basketball specifically, is recognized as a cultural and social asset, extending beyond its competitive aspect.

During his address, Sfairopoulos articulated: "Honorable Members of the European Parliament, distinguished guests, and dear friends of sport, thank you for this opportunity to speak today. It is an honor to be in this place where decisions shaping the future of our communities are made. For me, it is particularly meaningful to speak about the sport that has defined my life. I fell in love with basketball at a young age, first as a player and then as a coach. Coaching became my vocation, and I have dedicated my life to it. Since 1986, basketball has taken me across countries, cultures, and generations, teaching me a simple yet powerful truth: when we speak of basketball in Europe, we are not just talking about a sport, but about culture, identity, and something that belongs to the people."

"In Europe, sport is not merely entertainment; it is a public good with significant social and educational value, built upon principles like sporting merit, solidarity, teamwork, and discipline. Basketball possesses a unique power: it unites people, connects generations, builds communities, and teaches resilience. It must not degenerate into a mere commercial product, but rather remain a vibrant ecosystem composed of clubs, leagues, youth sectors, and communities. While growth is important, as is financial stability, these must remain deeply connected to values and people. We must protect national championships, sporting merit, and respect for players and coaches. Growth should not extract value from Europe, but create and reinvest it within the system. If we protect this ecosystem, the future of European basketball will not only be greater but also stronger and more meaningful."