EuroLeague CEO Confirms 12 License Bids Worth €800 Million
The EuroLeague is nearing the end of its current format, with the 2026-27 season expected to be the last with 20 teams. The league plans to expand to 24 teams starting next season, increasing the number of licensed clubs. EuroLeague CEO Jordi Bertomeu confirmed to Reuters that the league has received 12 bids for new licenses, totaling €800 million in license fees, an increase from previous reports of 11 bids worth €700 million.
While Bertomeu did not name the specific clubs that submitted bids, his announcement comes after reports two weeks ago that listed 11 clubs applying for licenses, notably excluding Hapoel Jerusalem but including Hapoel Tel Aviv. The additional bid could potentially be from Hapoel Jerusalem, which had previously announced its intention to submit a high, binding offer for a permanent EuroLeague license after an initial framework offer.
This development raises the possibility of a third Israeli team participating in Europe's top basketball competition. The league's future structure and participants will become clearer in the coming days.
Bertomeu also addressed the potential expansion of the NBA into Europe. He expressed openness to a mutually beneficial partnership with NBA Europe but also issued a warning, stating the EuroLeague is prepared to compete directly if a deal cannot be reached.
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