PARIS (France) - The president of the French League (LNB), Alain Béral, gave us an interview to react in particular to the entry of the ACB, the Spanish basketball league, into the shareholding of the Basketball Champions League.

The Spanish basketball league, ACB, entered the capital of the Basketball Champions League as a shareholder and joined ten other national leagues, including the Jeep Elite. What's your reaction ?

"It's a decision that makes me very happy. It was an anomaly not to have the Spanish league with us. It's a very important league in Europe. The Spanish league hesitated in 2015-16, in the first discussions, but they were in any case present at the table. The league was unable to enter three years ago because of an internal issue that prevented their entry as a shareholder. But it was an anomaly and it is very good that it is no longer the case."

What is the interest for a national league to be a shareholder of a European competition?

"This is very important because international competitions are the natural extension of national competitions, and so it is very important that we, and other national leagues, can be part and be involved in the decisions. Because there are calendars to manage, for example. But not only constraints. We did an important survey among our public in France, and realized that the fans believe in sporting principles, and find it important to promote the national championship results allowing to qualify for European competitions. And I'm sure it's the same in other countries. So it is very important to be able to be of those who decide. The Basketball Champions League is a "joint venture" between leagues and federations with a system that is not confusing. The qualifying system is very clear, we wanted it very clear, and it is based on the performance of the national leagues. It's a recognition and every league wants to be among the best. That is why it is very important to participate in this administration."

The 2013 French champions playing for a second consecutive year in the Basketball Champions League 

Can we see the arrival of the ACB as a sign of credibility acquired in two and a half seasons by the BCL?

"The ACB experienced some issues internally, at the beginning of the BCL, which explains this delay. But the BCL has established its credibility by the first years of competition which have been, for a brand new competition, very well managed, with great results, beautiful images and a perfect organization. I believe that the ACB saw that they could not not participate in this competition which is today a prestigious competition and is conducted in a masterly manner. Both parties find some benefit there. The ACB, because it is now part of a very appealing European competition that is precisely the definition of a real league of champions, with many national champions participating. And the BCL needed ACB too, which is one of the biggest leagues in Europe. It is out of the question to think that they would stay out."

When you say "in a masterly manner", can you specify?

"The work done by Patrick Comninos and his teams set the bar very high in terms of organization of the competition. The first season was already a very successful one. The objectives are clear, the BCL team has set the bar very high since the beginning and has, since then, managed to develop and improve it even further. In one season, the competition was very strong. Today, this competition is indisputable. They are good, it's clear."

The SIG men fighting to qualify for a second consecutive Play-Offs position

Is the round table complete now? Or other leagues are missing?

"It will be complete when all the leagues will be on board. Today, around the table, we have all the leagues that bring the best champions and work with the federations so that there are common ideas but also objectives. Obviously, one is never really complete when some leagues do not wish to be in because they consider that they are not strong enough. The message that we want to pass them on is: work, work and you will be welcomed."

The audience and the fans are very sensitive to the show produced on the floor. How did you see the level of play and the teams participating in the BCL evolve?

"Just look at games' results. Most games end with very small point differences, which proves the cohesion of the system. And when we look at the names of some prestigious teams that participate in the BCL today, it is highly commendable. Many clubs and players commit themselves to this competition, which they consider to be a very favorable context for their image. That's what they are looking for. And the organization of the competition is solid and rewarding. The level of play I see is worthy of a champions league."

(Interview by Thomas Berjoan, @TomBerjo. Photo credit: LNB)