Covic outlines plans for a professional Serbian league and an under-22 competition

Nebojsa Covic discusses plans connected with Serbian basketball.

Serbian Basketball Federation president Nebojsa Covic has outlined two proposals for domestic basketball. One concerns a professional national league, while the other targets players under 22.

Covic linked both ideas with regular playing time for Serbian talent. The federation is discussing the formats with clubs, but has not launched either competition.

Youth medals brought the development question forward

Serbia's under-17 and under-20 men's teams both won silver medals this summer. Covic praised their commitment and the work completed inside the national programme.

The under-20 medal ended a long wait in that age category. Several players showed that they can handle pressure against strong international opponents.

Their next challenge comes at club level. Youth tournaments provide short periods of competition, while a senior career depends on regular work throughout the season.

Covic wants the domestic structure to preserve that progress. Talented players need meaningful minutes after their final junior competitions end.

Covic discussed the plans after a summer of strong youth results. The medals provided evidence that Serbia continues to produce talented age-group players.

The professional league proposal also concerns Serbian basketball centres outside the largest clubs. Stable local teams can give players and supporters a regular national competition.

The professional league would gather stable clubs

The proposed top division would include a limited group of professional clubs. Covic described a field drawn from established basketball centres across Serbia.

A national competition would need clear financial and organisational standards. Clubs must have suitable halls, secure budgets and reliable travel arrangements.

Covic presents federation proposals alongside another KSS representative.

The calendar also has to fit teams playing in other competitions. Domestic rounds cannot be planned without considering international and regional commitments.

The final club list has not been adopted. The proposal remains focused on a stable league rather than announcing participants before the rules are ready.

The under-20 silver was Serbia's first medal in that category since 2015. The group reached the final through a complete tournament, not one isolated upset.

Covic contrasted domestic investment with money spent in the regional league. His proposal aims to keep a larger share of resources inside Serbian basketball.

The under-22 idea addresses a difficult transition

The second proposal would create games for players leaving junior basketball. Many reach that stage before they have a regular place in a senior rotation.

A separate competition could keep those players active while they train with their clubs. It would connect academy work with the demands of senior basketball.

Covic referred to a model used in Spain when explaining the idea. Serbian rules would still need to define eligibility, registration and movement between squads.

The Serbia under-17 final showed the quality entering this stage of development.

The under-17 side also reached a world final. Those players are younger, but they will face the same transition toward senior club roles.

The senior team meanwhile prepare for qualifiers against Iceland and Italy. Preparation games against France come before those competitive fixtures.

Club minutes remain the decisive part

A new competition only helps when its games carry real value. Players need strong opponents, prepared coaches and roles that demand responsible decisions.

The KSS president describes the need for a stronger domestic structure.

The best young performers also need a route into first-team basketball. An age-limited league should support that move rather than become a separate destination.

Clubs will shape the proposal because they employ and train the players. Their budgets and existing schedules will decide whether the plan can work consistently.

The federation can set standards and organise the calendar. Daily development will still happen inside club practices and senior matches.

Covic said parts of the youth teams' attack and defence follow ideas used by the senior selection. Familiar principles can make later national-team work easier.

The senior national team has immediate work

Covic also discussed Serbia's World Cup qualifying campaign. The next window includes demanding opponents and leaves little time for preparation.

He warned against judging matches only through the names on each roster. Serbia have already seen how organised opponents can punish a poor start.

That campaign runs beside the domestic reform discussion. The senior team need results now, while the league proposals concern player development over future seasons.

Both proposals focus on stronger domestic competition and more minutes for young players. Clubs and the federation still need to approve the rules.

Club basketball remains the longer part of development. Players spend most of the season with their teams rather than inside short national-team camps.

The proposals now require agreement with clubs

The professional league needs approved financial standards, venues and a calendar. The under-22 competition also needs eligibility and registration rules before games can begin.

Covic linked both projects with more club minutes for Serbian players. The senior national team meanwhile prepare for qualifiers against Iceland and Italy.