Kosovo and Albania Ponder Unified Basketball League

Elvira Dushku, the secretary-general of the Kosovo Basketball Federation, said on Tuesday that the basketball governing bodies in Pristina and Tirana are discussing ideas for a potential league merger.

"For many years, we have discussed the creation of a common league at our meetings, but intensive discussions have started since last year," Dushku said.

Last month, the head of the Albanian Basketball Federation, Avni Ponari, told Albanian media that models for a unified league are being considered.

In April, Kosovo and Albania's basketball federations planned to organise a so-called Pan-National Cup, but the tournament was not held due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Dushku said that in the coming days, the heads of the two federations will officially inform the world basketball authority, FIBA, about the plan.

"We will inform them in the coming days, when we will have a detailed concept for the league. We are discussing scenarios, options, and a calendar," she added.

Kosovo is among the newest members of FIBA after being admitted in 2015.

Former Kosovo basketball player Valentin Spaqi told BIRN that if Kosovo and Albanian clubs play in a same championship, it would be good for the players.

"It would be beneficial for basketball players who would have more games on their hands, but it also has meaning from a national point of view," Spaqi said.

But he pointed out that the proposed new league would be a financial burden for struggling clubs.

"If this league materialises, clubs should have better financial resources to deal with the necessary spending," he said.