EuroLeague franchise plan could bring Maccabi Tel Aviv tens of millions

The EuroLeague is close to a major restructuring that could secure the futures of its 13 current owners, including Maccabi Tel Aviv, for an open-ended period. According to a report by Eurohoops, the clubs are expected to sign the new agreement on July 1, shifting the league away from temporary licenses to a franchise-style model.

Under the proposed setup, the 13 owners would receive permanent licenses rather than contracts lasting one, three, five or 10 years. The current owners are Maccabi Tel Aviv, Anadolu Efes, Baskonia, Barcelona, Fenerbahce, Milan, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Bayern Munich, Zalgiris Kaunas, Villeurbanne, Real Madrid and CSKA Moscow, which is not playing because of the war.

The change is meant to give clubs more certainty to invest, since their place in the competition would be guaranteed. The report says the exit buyout clause could be removed or significantly increased. Under the current 10-year ownership agreements, the buyout is set at 10 million euros. EuroLeague is also expected to collect more than 400 million euros in franchise fees, giving each owner more than 30 million euros.

Eurohoops said the move could boost the league’s value by 25 percent. It also reported that a 30-team model is being considered for 2028 or 2029, with possible additions from major cities such as London, Rome and Berlin. Two league spots would remain open for promotion through EuroCup.