Photo: FIBA Basketball

Rytas Vilnius CEO Martynas Giga has shared new details about how clubs without permanent licenses could qualify for NBA Europe, which is expected to begin next year.

According to Giga, performance in the FIBA Basketball Champions League will provide one route into the new competition.

“The two [FIBA Basketball Champions League] finalists will get direct spots for NBA Europe. [The qualifying tournament] will consist of the two teams that lose in the [BCL] semifinals, and six teams from the highest-ranked domestic leagues,” Giga said.

The additional qualifying event is expected to feature eight clubs competing for two NBA Europe places.

“… The qualifying tournament is expected to take place after the end of the season. Therefore, our contracts have been extended for a longer term, taking into account the possibility of playing in that tournament. … The expectation is that eight teams will be participating in it, with two clubs receiving a place in NBA Europe.”

Rytas captured the BCL championship last season, leading to some jokes inside the organization about the timing of their triumph.

“We joked 100 times already that we won it too early,” Giga said. “That said, if we did it last year, maybe there’s a chance to repeat it this season.”

Repeating that success could potentially put Rytas in position to secure a place in the new NBA Europe competition.