May 25, 2012
CEO and President Jordi Bertomeu Top 16 Draw speech
Jordi BertomeuGood afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to all the members of the clubs, leagues and a special welcome to the president of the Turkish Basketball Federation, Mr. Turgay Demirel. Thank you very much for being here today for this Top 16 Draw. We have reached this point after two and a half months of competition. Two and a half months in which we have enjoyed great basketball. As in previous seasons, we have also had drama until the very last minute to know the teams that will be here today at this draw.

I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to remind all that we are doing this Top 16 draw for the last time. Next season we will have a different format in this phase. Our fans tell us that they want more Turkish Airlines Euroleague games and the figures confirm that because the in-arena attendance grows every year. Therefore, in October we decided respond to this request. Starting next season we will have more Turkish Airlines Euroleague games, more games among the best 16 teams in Europe, and not only this: We are going to play these games on days closer to the weekends, when our fans will have easier access, avoiding the coincidence with other sports, events and competitions. Moreover, the new qualifying format will allow our fans to see a greater number of different teams. This is our challenge for the future: To offer a higher quality competition, in renewed or new arenas, with a better calendar and continuing with our policy to promote European basketball all around the world thanks to our TV partners.

However, looking to the near future, today we are about to start with the Top 16 part of the season, which continues on to the Playoffs and culminates in our Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four on May 11 and 13 in Istanbul. On the screen we are about to see the image that will accompany us for the Turkish Airlines Final Four. Once again we are strongly committed to organizing unforgettable events. We will have all the elements in Istanbul: the best players, coaches and referees, an excellent arena, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a partner with experience in the organization of great events.

I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the Turkish Basketball Federation, Mr. Turgay Demirel, for his collaboration and commitment to make the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four a magnificent event. Thank you, Turgay for being here today, and I’d like now to give you the floor and to join me here on the stage...
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Euroleague.net
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