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Basketball Leagues: Forget NBA, Watch European Leagues

When we talk about Basketball Leagues, only one League comes to our mind: The NBA. Forget that, because today I will be telling you about the European Leagues. They need more of our time and attention than the NBA. Sometimes, they are even more fun to watch than the NBA. Just like how we all admire and love European Football leagues, trust me, once you start watching European leagues, there is no going back. There are so many basketball leagues going around in Europe, with high-quality basketball, and we never pay attention to them. Now is the time for these leagues to shine among fans, who are not from Europe.

Every country in Europe has its own League. Some are big and some are small. But all have this love and passion for the sport. Remember Luka Doncic? Do you all know where he came from to the NBA? He was playing for Real Madrid before he joined the NBA. There are a lot of foreign players who come from these European Leagues to join the NBA. Today, I will be telling you about some European leagues to gather your interest so when the time comes, you switch to European basketball. It is fun, entertaining, intense, and most of all the fans. It will remind you of football fans!

Also Read: NBA 2016 Championships: Who Remembers Cleveland Cavaliers Epic Comeback?

Basketball Leagues: Champions League Of Basketball, The Euroleague

Basketball Leagues Euroleague

Out of all the Basketball Leagues, Euroleague is the top-rated League in Europe and is the second highest-rated League after the NBA. It has probably all the qualities that will you make you watch it. It provides high quality, great passing, and shooting basketball. Just like the Champions League, top teams of Europe from their respective countries compete against one another. Teams from Spain, Turkey, Germany, Russia, Lithuania, and Serbia are the more dominant ones in this League. The current champion of the Euroleague is Anadolu Efes. They won the cup twice in a row now and have been Turkish champions as well. Apart from this, teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, CSKA Moscow, and Olympiakos, are also big teams in the League. The League will start in the autumn, so make sure to remember this.

Basketball Leagues: Germany BBL

Germany BBL

Germany BBL is the first-tier domestic basketball league in Germany. It is the same as the Bundesliga, the only difference is, that this is basketball. Heard of Dirk Novitski? Yes, he also made it to the NBA playing through this League and making a name for himself. Germany BBL will provide you with great quality content, excellent shooting, and big players in the making. The top teams of this League are generally Alba Berlin, Bayern Munich, and Ludwigsburg. It generally starts in mid-October and finishes in May. Make sure to not miss out on it.

Spain ACB

Spain ACB

Spain is the La Liga of basketball when it comes to Basketball Leagues. The Gasol brothers are graduates of this League. Our superstar Luka Doncic is a product of this League. This League is more technical than Germany’s BBL. You will find more creativity in passing than just normal shooting. It is more to do with the Spanish style of play than anything else. Teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Saski Baskonia, and Juventus Badalona are the top ones. If like you like technical stuff, then go for this League.

Turkish Superleague: Powered By Turkish Airlines

Turkish Super League

Turkish Superleague makes its way to one of the top leagues in Europe. Simply because Anadolu Efes has been the Euroleague Champions twice in a row now. The playing style in the League is quite fast. You might see a lot of high-scoring games and suddenly find a very low-scoring one as well. Apart from Anadolu, Fenerbahce is also a top team in the League. They have a big and old rivalry with Anadolu Efes. There are more than 15-16 teams in the League. The others are Galatasary, Besiktas, Koleji, Royal Hali, and a lot more. For fun drama, make sure you follow the Turkish League.

Italy Serie A

Italy Serie A

This League, Italy Serie A has produced a lot of excitement in recent times with the emergence of a new strong team. Earlier, only Olimpia Milano was handling the responsibility of representing the domestic League in other tournaments, but now Virtus Bologna has come in strong. The atmosphere in the matches is great, the cities are great, and the locations are amazing. Other teams include Sassari and Fortitudo Bologna among others. Make sure you don’t miss the fun.

VTB League Russia: Basketball Leagues

Basketball Leagues VTB United League

VTB League is also a very dominant league situated in Russia. Teams like CSKA Moscow, and Zenit St Petersburg have maintained high standards in the European market. CSKA Moscow is a powerhouse of a team. Mike James, who recently played for Brooklyn Nets, was a part of the Russian outfit. They have won Euroleague as well and constantly remain in the hunt for the title with Anadolu Efes, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and others. CSKA Moscow has been the domestic league champions consecutively now. The good part about the League is that teams from other countries like Kazakhstan, Estonia, and Belarus participate.

Lithuania LKL

Lithuania LKL Zalgiris

Lithuania LKL is the domestic League of Lithuania. This League is worth mentioning because of one team with a rich history in Europe: Zalgiris. Zalgiris has always maintained its stature as one of the top teams in Europe. The domestic League is fun and worth watching. You will find a lot of quality players coming through the ranks. Just give it a try and then see for yourself!

Greek Basket League

Greek Basket League

Legendary teams like Olympiakos and Pananthaniakos come from this League. The fans, history, the play, everything is excellent about this League. If you wish to enjoy the ambiance, this League is for you. People who follow basketball passionately, come to these matches to witness greatness. Make sure you don’t miss out on that one.

There are so many other European Leagues as well which I didn’t cover but these are the majority ones. If you watch these as well, then your life is already sorted. Will come back for more later!

Categories
NBA (Basketball)

Top 10 Most Expensive Basketball Teams

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most profitable sports organizations to exist. Purely from a financial point of view, an NBA team averages around $2.48 billion. The high-money dealings in the NBA certainly deserve a look into the top 10 most expensive basketball teams in existence today. Owing to the recent pandemic, the business did take a substantial hit. However, it has since recovered magnificently. The revenue of each team has been at an all-time high. With the crowd back in the stands to cheer for their favorite team, NBA has returned to its full glory. Celebrity sightings, sponsorship deals, and cross-promotional collaborations all are contributing to the massive economy behind each team’s success. With that in mind, let us see what are the top 10 most expensive basketball teams present today.

Also Read: Top 10 Point Leaders in the NBA

10. Toronto Raptors

Value: $2.10 Billion

Toronto Raptors was founded in 1995 and the only Canadian team in the top 10 most expensive teams list. The Raptors belong to the Eastern Conference (Atlantic Division) of the NBA and are owned by the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. At the beginning of 2021, the Raptors had to relocate to Tampa due to travel restrictions. However, since September 2021, the Canadian government allowed the home games to be played in Toronto. This season isn’t going according to their plans as a series of underwhelming performances see them fighting for a playoff position. Nonetheless, Toronto Raptors start off this list in the 10th place in the top 10 most expensive NBA teams.

Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors

9. Dallas Mavericks

Value: $2.40 Billion

Founded in 1980, the Dallas Mavericks is have experienced a considerable amount of success throughout the years. The Mavericks compete out of the Western Conference (Southwest Division) in the league and are owned by an American billionaire, entrepreneur, and TV personality Mark Cuban. Having won the NBA championship once in 2011, they would be eager to win it once more this season. However, with their star player Luka Doncic out against the Houston Rockets game this Wednesday due to ankle soreness, it will be interesting, to say the least how it affects them in the long run.

The Dallas Mavericks have over the years churned out consistent profit with many saying, buying the franchise in 2000 was the best business decision of his career. The Mavericks are 9th on the list of top 10 most expensive NBA teams.

Dallas Mavericks amongst the top 10 most expensive teams
With Luka Doncic out, their game against the Houston Rockets will be crucial.

8. Houston Rockets

Value: $2.47 Billion

The Houston Rockets have been consistent throughout the recent years with 8 consecutive playoff appearances. However, things went wrong with a disappointing season in 2020-21 and the departure of James Harden in 2021. The Houston Rockets have looked like a shell of their former selves. Founded in 1967, the 2 time NBA champions are having a nightmare of a season this year. With Tilman Fetitta as the owner of the team, fans are not ecstatic with the team management and operations. The Houston Rockets belong in the Western Conference (Southwest Division) of the league and are currently languishing in the last place on the table. However, the past 2 abysmal seasons have not stopped the Houston Rockets from being the 8th most expensive team in the NBA.

Rocekts are having a nightmare season
All is not good for the Houston Rockets this year as they are struggling at the bottom of the table.

7. Brooklyn Nets

Value: $2.50 Billion

Boasting players like Kevin Durrant, Blake Griffin, and Kyrie Irving, it is no surprise the Brooklyn Nets are among the top 10 most expensive NBA teams. Brooklyn Nets was founded in 1967 and they play out of the Eastern Conference (Atlantic Division) in the NBA. Team owner Joseph Tsai, who bought the team in 2017, has maintained a good relationship with the fans throughout. The Nets have been crowned champions before and will be looking to do so again this year. They are fighting for playoff positions in 8th place at the league table.

With a valuation of $2.50 Billion, the Nets place 7th on our list of most expensive NBA teams.

Nets Dream Team
The superstar lineup of Brooklyn Nets.

6. Los Angeles Clippers

Value: $2.60 Billion

Los Angeles Clippers have had mediocre success over the years on the court with winning just 2 division titles. However, their off-court business has certainly massively borne fruit. Valued at $2.60 Billion, the Clippers are amongst the top 10 most expensive teams in the NBA. A feat that is only reserved for a select few. Founded in 1970, the team is owned by Steve Ballmer, who is a former CEO of Microsoft.

They play out of the Western Conference (Pacific Division) in the NBA and are currently in 8th place fighting for a playoff position. Their revenue and off-court business, place them 6th on the list of top 10 most expensive teams in the NBA.

The clippers are amongst the top 10 most expensive teams in nba
A new roster of Clippers are looking to make a mark in the league.

5. Boston Celtics

Value: $3.10 Billion

The legendary Boston Celtics are amongst the few NBA teams who have tasted success both on and off the court. Having a tied record of 17 NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, the legacy and success of the Boston Celtics are unmatched. Celtics have also housed famous players like Larry Bird, Rojon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, and Shaquille O’Neal. Founded in 1946, it is one of the oldest NBA teams today. They play out of the Eastern Conference (Atlantic Division) in the league and are owned by Boston Basketball Partners L.L.C. Having a valuation of $3.10 billion, the Celtics are 5th on the list of most expensive NBA teams.

Boston Celtics are a legendary nba team
Boston Celtics legacy continues as this year they will be eyeing their 18th NBA championship.

4. Chicago Bulls

Value: $3.10 Billion

Once the home of legendary basketball player Micheal Jordan, the Chicago Bulls are no strangers to success. Founded in 1966, the team has won 6 NBA championships. They play of the the Eastern Conference (Central Division) in the NBA. American billionaire Jerry Reinsdorf owns the team and has continued to make the team a successful business venture. Valued at $3.10 Billion, the Bulls are financially one of the richest teams today. However, their recent performance on the court have not lived up to the legacy of the team. Chicago Bulls are the 4th most expensive NBA teams today.

the legendary bulls in the most expensive list
Chicago Bulls have been inconsistent in March throughout.

 

3. Golden State Warriors

Value: $4.30 Billion

Founded in 1946, the Golden State Warriors, owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber are 6 time NBA champions. The home of 2 time MVP Steph Curry, the Warriors are on a roll this season and are currently in the top place in the Western Conference table. A new stadium and star players have all given the team a massive push both on and off the court. They are a part of the Western Conference (Pacific Division) in the NBA. A valuation of $4.30 Billion, places them at 3rd position in the list of most expensive NBA teams.

gsw are 3rd on our list
With Steph Curry at the helm, the Warriors look unstoppable.

 

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Value: $4.40 Billion

No NBA list is complete without the mention of the Los Angeles Lakers. A fan favorite worldwide having star power in the likes of LeBron James, Russel Westbrook, Anthony Davis, and Dwight Howard. Lakers was also the home of the late great Kobe Bryant with whom, the team has experienced great success owing to his relentless work ethic. They play out of the Western Conference( Pacific Division) and are a record 17 time NBA championship winner. The team is owned by Buss Family Trusts and shares their home game stadium with the LA Clippers. The legacy of the Lakers continues to shine both on and off the court as they are the 2nd richest team in the NBA.

Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers Squad led by LeBron James will be looking to win the NBA championship once again.

 

1. New York Knicks

Value: $4.60 Billion

Currently, the most expensive team in the NBA, the New York Knicks is valued at an extraordinary $4.60Billion. They were founded in 1946 and is one of the oldest NBA teams today. Playing out of the Eastern Conference (Atlantic Division), the team has experienced significant success over the years on the court. In addition to that, they are 2 time NBA champions and play their home games at the prestigious Madison Square Garden. Madison Square Garden Company is the owner of the team and they have for 6 consecutive years been the most profitable and valuable NBA team. The Knicks with their massive revenue and valuation top the list as the most expensive NBA teams.

New York Knicks are the most expensive team
New York Knicks remain the most expensive team for the 6th consecutive time.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Expensive IPL Players of All Time