MACDUB
Years ago

Russia following US College system

Interesting read about Russia, with the help of VTB, pumping huge amounts of money into setting up an international version of the NCAA.


Formed last September with the help of Russia's second-largest bank VTB, the International Students Basketball League (ISBL) has quickly grown into a top-notch competition, with 26 collegiate teams from the Baltics to the Far East taking part.

"We have teams from Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan and even China competing," ISBL chief and VTB senior vice-president Andrei Peregudov told Reuters in an interview.

"Next season, we're adding teams from Belarus and Latvia. We hope Finland and Sweden will also take part. We also negotiating with schools from Serbia and Spain about their participation.

"Japan and South Korea have also expressed interest in joining the ISBL's division in the Far East. In all, we think 30 or 32 teams would be an optimal number."


Huge league. The VTB bank is covering all expenses of the league. Teams will only need to pay for travel.

This is quite incredible. The geographical extent of the league is huge.

I would imagine the standard would be quite high as well.



http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/basketball-russian-bank-sponsor-europe-wide-students-league-140753687.html

Topic #31542 | Report this topic


KingJames  
Years ago

That is great for basketball!

Reply #416405 | Report this post


LC  
Years ago

That is massive! Will certainly help with the growth and exposure of the sport in those regions.

Reply #416414 | Report this post


Bear  
Years ago

They have some money over there, don't they...?

Basketball is the world game, not soccer!!

So, among other games there will be a university from Spain with a team that will play against a University from Japan in a league organised by the Russians and their financial backers, wow...!

Reply #416424 | Report this post


Tornado  
Years ago

Can the AIS submit themselves as a team?

Reply #416433 | Report this post


Latrentis  
Years ago

Too far to travel. Doubt AIS will dish out that much money to cover travel expenses. Fantastic idea to create this league!

Reply #416443 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Move AIS basketball overseas.

They do this for many other sports already.

Reply #416948 | Report this post




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