EuroLeague Owners Meet to Discuss Major Expansion and Financial Overhaul

Representatives from the 13 founding clubs of the EuroLeague are convening for a critical two-day meeting in Como, Italy, to discuss significant changes that could reshape European basketball. The agenda includes a potential expansion to 24 teams by the 2027-28 season, the transition of current clubs to a franchise model similar to the NBA, and the distribution of new franchise licenses. The cost of a new franchise is estimated between 50 to 90 million euros, potentially generating up to 560 million euros for the league if eight new licenses are awarded.

The expansion plan aims to solidify the EuroLeague's structure, with founding members becoming permanent franchises. Eight new licenses are up for grabs, with 13 clubs, including Israeli teams Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem, vying for them. However, European sources suggest clubs like Aris Thessaloniki, Valencia, and the Serbian teams Crvena Zvezda and Partizan Belgrade have a higher chance of securing these licenses. The league has officially stated its goal of reaching 24 teams, incorporating a mix of permanent franchises, annually invited teams, and qualifiers from the EuroCup.

Discussions are also expected to cover potential changes to the game format, possibly moving to a two-conference system like the NBA, which could reduce the regular season games. There is also speculation about an in-season tournament. Furthermore, the possibility of a merger or closer ties with the NBA is on the table, though European sources view it more as an exit strategy for the EuroLeague than a true merger. The NBA's own plans for a European league are also a factor in these discussions.

Separately, the return of games to Israel is not currently on the EuroLeague's agenda. Maccabi Tel Aviv is reportedly preparing to move its home games to Cyprus in the coming weeks, while Hapoel Tel Aviv is already arranging accommodation for its players and staff in Sofia, Bulgaria. The delay in addressing the return of games to Israel is attributed to factors including a recent attempted airplane hijacking and upcoming elections.