Madrid "wants the Final Four," according to Abraham Romero of AS. The Spanish capital is "one of the biggest favorites" to host the Final Four of the Euroleague's '14-15 season. There "is still no agreement but seven years later, Madrid could return as the scene of the biggest event in continental basketball." The city hosted the event in '08. After the "disappointment from not winning the rights to host the Olympics in '12, '16 or '20, the city is pushing to host various elite competitions." Madrid will "host the decisive games of this summer's FIBA World Cup," which will take place in various Spanish cities from Aug. 30-Sept. 14 (AS, 5/14). EL MUNDO reported Madrid "is on the verge" of winning the bid. The negotiations are "very advanced, and without a serious twist, the next edition of the Euroleague Final Four will be held at the Community of Madrid Sports Palace." Madrid authorities and Euroleague representatives "are expected to announce the news next week in Milan, which is hosting this year's Final Four" (EL MUNDO, 5/14).
WORLD CUP PREP UNDERWAY: In Madrid, Manuel de la Torre Sanz reported "more than 100 days before the start of the FIBA World Cup, Madrid finds itself prepared." The Spanish capital "fired the starting shot of the promotion for the event, with the objective of helping both Madrid citizens and visitors enjoy basketball." Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) President José Luis Sáez said, "For me, Madrid is the world capital of sports" (AS, 5/13).
