Playing basketball is one of the most popular pastimes on the planet. As sports, basketball has been known as one of the top and fast-paced games across all continents.
There is no shortage of basketball players and fans from across the world. Interestingly, when it comes to this type of sport, only the National Basketball Association (NBA) and EuroLeague have been considered two major basketball events that got serious attention from the public.
It is fantastic to be able to see these two major basketball events, which are played on separate continents. As a globally popular sport, basketball games are witnessed by millions, with each fan having their own set of favorite teams. The games played in NBA and EuroLeague continue to dominate television and social media through the years.
The EuroLeague covers the top teams in European domestic basketball. This league is known as the top-tier stage for players from the European Union. While the two league teams and their members are playing the same basketball game, there are also critical differences between EuroLeague and the NBA.
The significant difference that sets EuroLeague and NBA apart is on the rules they follow for every competition.
The European tournament is competed under FIBA (International Basketball Federation) guidelines, while the NBA in the United States is played according to its own set of rules.
“With slight differences between the competitions, the action in the games can vary. Sports betting fans love basketball and appreciate the fast-paced nature and quick turnarounds that can happen,” according to the experts at Sports and Basketball.
“Many start with global no deposits or free bets from the top betting sites. These international no deposit bonus deals are ideal for punters looking for extra value to test out their new basketball betting strategies,” they added.
Interestingly, the NBA remains a dominating sports league since people in the United States enjoy the game more than anyone else.
Being part of the NBA is synonymous with being an ambassador of basketball. Also, the grassroots structure of the NBA in the United States is so strong. Furthermore, the global broadcast and commercialism of sports have also overtaken Europe’s league. Yet, in the end, the EuroLeague continues to grow and spread as it journeys in the sporting world.
The NBA’s excitement also comes from superstars. Noticeably, the EuroLeague players cannot match the quality of the NBA stars, particularly those players who reign in NBA MVP.
“This is what makes NBA more exciting because fans can always expect something stunning at any stage of the game. The potential of a surprise is essential for the success of a sports league. The flexibility in the gameplay keeps the NBA superstars above their peers in Europe,” according to Franchise Sports.
Indeed, American fans are more inclined to worship their NBA superstars, while European viewers are more particular with their loyalty to their favorite clubs.
Different rules between EuroLeague and NBA games
In the EuroLeague, the three-point line is shorter compared to the NBA. There are also some big differences in the number of personal fouls allowed during the games. Not to mention, the difference in the setting of screens.
By nature, the NBA game is more freestyle since its rules allow loose traveling. Also, the NBA was able to control the frequency of physical contact while EuroLeague still grapples with unwanted physicality.
In terms of the basketball court, the difference between NBA and FIBA include their slightly shorter court.
For EuroLeague, it is 28m x 15m, while for NBA, it is 28.65m x15.24m.
Euro League got a shorter 3-point line for its games, plus five personal fouls allowed. IN the NBA, there are six fouls allowed.
Regarding the game duration, European basketball games are shorter, with a total of 40 minutes of gameplay. Their game comprised four x 10-minute quarters.
On the other hand, the NBA has four x 12-minute quarters, and 48 minutes of total game time. In this manner, the NBA games are eight minutes longer, and it is wonderful to imagine that anything can happen during this time.
Another fascinating difference in the rules between the European teams and the NBA is the number of import players.
Following the FIBA rules, teams can only purchase or transfer two overseas players to join.
This is an exciting idea because it can bring a more level playing field for the players and their teams that might not have the sufficient funds to import NBA stars to support their sides in the competition.
In the NBA, the games set no limits or rules on this.
Differences in the Game between EuroLeague and NBA
It is interesting to know that players of the EuroLeague teams are more involved in developing their tactics and strategies to work together as a team and improve their game plans throughout the tournaments.
In the NBA, it can be apparent to the fans and the general public that the players are more of a superstar show. It can be noticed that the team is pushing to get it to their best player.
While watching the two types of tournaments is enjoyable, people can also see how their favorite NBA stars slam dunk against the opposite team.
Yet, in European games, they tend to have more physical contact during the matches.
Regarding the money factor, you cannot undermine the power and prestige of EuroLeague basketball. They also need more funds to develop and promote better infrastructure.
When comparing the two in terms of revenue and finances, you can see that the NBA’s financial stature is more outstanding than the EuroLeague. The EuroLeague needs much more financial investment to close the gap.
In the EuroLeague, the average player received a take-home salary between $400,000- $850,000 per season. The top earners in EuroLeague received more than $5,000,000.
In contrast, the NBA teams and players are overflowing with funds. In the 2021-2022 season alone, the top 31 ball players got an annual salary of over $30,000,000+.