Oleksiy Yefimov: « We want to be attractive to everyone » – Monaco’s big dreams between EuroLeague and NBA Europe

General Manager of AS Monaco Basketball since 2014, Oleksiy Yefimov discussed with RMC Sport about his club’s future, currently well-positioned to reach a second EuroLeague Final Four. Between pursuing an A license, building a new arena, retaining key players, and openness to an NBA Europe project, the Ukrainian executive displays high ambitions.

A conquering Monaco on all fronts

On the eve of Game 3 against FC Barcelona, Oleksiy Yefimov expressed satisfaction with the Roca Team’s performance: « In these two games, we’ve played our best basketball of the season », he rejoiced. The executive praised the diversity of individual contributions, particularly highlighting the impact of Daniel Theis and Mam Jaiteh, two valuable big men in this series.

With more team-oriented play (21 and 28 assists), young coach Vassilis Spanoulis’s influence is already evident. « We can see he’s someone who fears nothing », says Yefimov, who hopes to build a legacy in Monaco similar to the Greek icon’s playing career.

Aiming for qualification to the Final Four in Abu Dhabi, Monaco confirms its place among EuroLeague’s elite, with three top-4 finishes in regular season across four participations. « Consistency is a crucial element », reminds Yefimov.

The quest for an A license depends on the new arena

Ambitious, Oleksiy Yefimov knows that the key to securing Monaco’s place at the top requires building EuroLeague-standard infrastructure: « We’re aiming for a license. For that, we need a 10,000-seat arena », he reminds. Several options are currently being studied, both in Monaco and nearby.

Creating a multipurpose arena is also seen as an essential economic driver: concerts, exhibitions, and events should complement the club’s business model.

NBA Europe: Monaco keeps all doors open

Regarding the NBA Europe creation project, Yefimov maintains an open stance: « Our mission is to be attractive to everyone », he states. However, AS Monaco currently remains fully focused on its EuroLeague ambitions.

Securing the roster and aiming for stability

On the sporting front, the priority is securing the core group, starting with Alpha Diallo (extended for three years). « I don’t think we’ll significantly change the group », estimates Yefimov, though aware of summer market challenges if EuroLeague expands to 20 teams.

Among other pressing matters: convincing Daniel Theis to stay, despite his « NBA out » clause, and continuing Mike James’s transformation into a true team leader.

« We have a more mature version of Mike James this season », summarizes Yefimov, satisfied with the American point guard’s growth in a more balanced role between scoring and playmaking.

Dreaming bigger for Monaco

Finally, looking further ahead, Oleksiy Yefimov projects an ambitious vision for the club: « In my best dream, I imagine myself sitting in a brand new multipurpose arena », he concludes. A dream that, if realized, could definitively establish Monaco as a European basketball powerhouse.