Virtus Bologna Owner Says EuroLeague Is Close to a 28-Team Franchise Model

Virtus Bologna president and owner Massimo Zanetti said the EuroLeague has reached a binding principle agreement with American partners on a sweeping overhaul of the competition. Speaking in Italy, he said all participating clubs have already signed a binding contract with the league, and that the new structure would transform the EuroLeague into a franchise-based model.

Under the plan, the EuroLeague would have the right to sell franchises. Once a franchise is bought, its owner would secure a permanent place in the league regardless of sporting results. Zanetti also outlined the prices clubs would have to pay to join the new system.

According to Zanetti, six “historic” clubs that do not hold A licenses, including Bologna, would pay about 50 million euros, spread over 10 years. Other clubs seeking entry would pay much more, between 80 million and 85 million euros, while Dubai would be asked to pay about 90 million euros.

Zanetti said the overhaul would end with a 28-team league split into separate groups. He added that the plan also includes a strategic partnership between the EuroLeague and NBA Europe, along with new TV deals and joint initiatives that he said would significantly increase revenue for partner clubs.