As you have probably guessed by now, the Euroleague does not exactly have an equivalent revenue stream comparable to that of the NBA.  In fact, the Euroleague takes in only a fraction of the money that the NBA sees annually.  With that said, the Euroleague has established some very legitimate marketing partnerships with companies respected globally.  The Euroleague is in the midst of its second year of a five-year contract with its primary partner, and namesake, Turkish Airlines.  The contract gives Turkish Airlines extensive rights, including the extremely unique advantage of technically naming the competition Turkish Airlines Euroleague Basketball.  It is not common for a company to actually involve itself in the renaming of a league's brand, and as such Turkish Airlines and Euroleague basketball are essentially synonymous.  Included in the contract is also the rights to global sponsorship for the Eurocup.  From a more athletic lens, Nike is the official gameball of all basketball competition held by the organization, as well as gaining the naming rights to the Nike International Junior Tournament.  This partnership is obviously very attractive for both sides: just another outlet for Nike to put their brand on, but an opportunity for the Euroleague to attach itself with the world's most recognizable athletics manufacturing brand.  Additionally, the junior tournament rights are very significant as it provides a legitimate (thanks to the Nike name) forum for young international players to gain exposure on a greater stage.  Interesting amongst its main partners are Bwin and Efes Pilesener, respectively a sports gambling organization and an alcohol manufacture.  As seen with different football clubs throughout Europe, alcohol sponsorships have sometime proven to be more of a hassle then they are actually worth (for both the club and the company). Additionally, the concept of intentionally connecting yourself, as a league, to a gambling facilitator is questionable (at least by United States standards) and something that the NBA would certainly never be interested in.

Obviously, the NBA and Euroleague seek out entirely different sponsors when seeking revenue.  Perhaps out of necessity, perhaps out of culture, it seems as though the motives of Euroleague are a far cry from that of the NBA.  I'm curious to hear what people have to say about both the organized betting sponsorship as well as the alcohol manufacture sponsorship, both somewhat questionable by traditional moral standards.  Additionally, do you-the viewer-feel as though something is taken away from the Euroleague name by adding the Turkish Airlines precursor?  Any comments are much appreciated!

Noah