EuroLeague franchise plan could bring Maccabi Tel Aviv tens of millions

EuroLeague is close to adopting a franchise model that would secure the 13 club owners for an unlimited period, a move that could bring Maccabi Tel Aviv tens of millions of euros. The report, published by Eurohoops, says the league’s 13 owners are expected to sign the new agreement on July 1.

The owners are Maccabi Tel Aviv, Anadolu Efes, Baskonia, Barcelona, Fenerbahce, Olimpia Milano, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Bayern Munich, Zalgiris Kaunas, ASVEL, Real Madrid and CSKA Moscow, which is not currently playing because of the war. Instead of short-term licenses lasting one, three, five or even 10 years, the clubs would receive a permanent license with no clear end date.

The change is meant to give clubs greater certainty to invest, attract outside money and develop under the league’s umbrella. The current contracts, which run 10 years, include a buyout clause of 10 million euros, but Eurohoops says that clause could be removed or raised significantly. EuroLeague is also expected to receive more than 400 million euros in cash from franchise fees, giving each owner more than 30 million euros.

The franchise system mirrors the American sports model, where team owners hold voting rights and part of the league’s ownership. Eurohoops says the switch should better reflect EuroLeague’s current value and could lift profits by 25%. It also reports that a 30-team league is being considered for 2028 or 2029, with possible additions from major cities such as London, Rome and Berlin, while two places would remain available through EuroCup promotion.