After beating Zvezda in the ABA League derby, Zeljko Obradovic turned his focus to EuroLeague politics, urging unity, respect, and equal rights as decisions loom.
Fresh off Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade’s derby win over Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, Zeljko Obradovic spent a good chunk of his postgame press conference looking ahead—to something bigger than just one rivalry win.
While the game may not have determined standings, it certainly carried weight. “The victory in the derby did not decide the position,” Obradović admitted, “but it is always a matter of prestige.”
That prestige, however, isn’t limited to the court. It’s also about representation—and Obradovic wants both Belgrade powerhouses to show a united front at the EuroLeague’s upcoming co-owners meeting at the end of April, where critical decisions will be made regarding multi-year licenses for next season.
“You are witnessing what is happening in European basketball. There will be a meeting at the end of the month where, I guess, some things will be decided,” Obradovic said.
“You know about some offers—whether they are official or not—but obviously, they are for us and Crvena Zvezda, as well as some other clubs.”
His message was clear: unity between the historic rivals could make all the difference.
“I am of the opinion that we should make a consensus, to perform together. Zvezda and Partizan are the treasures of European basketball, and we should show that to everyone.”
For Obradovic, the atmosphere in Belgrade is unmatched—and the league needs to recognize it.
“Everyone who talks about the EuroLeague talks about the atmosphere in the Belgrade arena. It doesn't matter if it's a Zvezda or Partizan game,” he said. “If that's the case, I guess we deserve some respect.”
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And then, he emphasized the crux of his argument once again: “I'll say it and I'll repeat it—for a league anywhere in the world to be serious, everyone must have the same rights and obligations.”
Even as rumors swirl about license costs—€5 million plus fees for referees and registration—Obradovic made it clear that the boardroom talk belongs to the suits.
“You'll have to ask the people who are responsible for it—in this case, the president of the club and the Board of Directors,” he said. “I’m a coach, and I am talking about our big sports rival. There is no doubt that we have the same interests. We have to perform together.”
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With clubs like Valencia, Virtus Bologna, and Hapoel Tel Aviv all in the mix for licenses, the battle for EuroLeague permanence is heating up.
“I don't want to talk about speculation, but I want to do everything to respect what we represent—when people talk about us and the atmosphere here,” Obradovic stated. “A joint performance is a common interest for all teams that want to be equal members of the EuroLeague.”
He finished with a broader view of the competition.
“We believe that there are smart people in the EuroLeague. I will not go into other possibilities—for European basketball, the only option is the EuroLeague at the moment,” he said.
“Now the playoffs in the EuroLeague will start. You’ll see how it will look. Every arena will be filled to the maximum, and it will be fantastic basketball.”
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