EuroLeague plans major expansion that could open the door for Hapoel Jerusalem

EuroLeague management is considering one of the biggest shake-ups in the competition’s history, with a report from BasketNews saying the league is preparing to approve an expansion to 24 teams starting in the 2027/28 season. The plan also includes switching to a conference-style format, and the proposal already appears to have broad support among EuroLeague shareholders.

According to the report, the board is expected to vote on the change at an upcoming meeting. If it passes, the 2026/27 season would still be played with 20 teams, before the larger field begins the following year.

One immediate change is expected next season, when Besiktas is set to join on a wild card and take Monaco’s place. Monaco has chosen to drop to the EuroCup under a five-year license, saying the move is meant to stabilize its financial and administrative situation before aiming to return to the EuroLeague as part of the future expansion.

Besiktas earned the chance after an excellent EuroCup campaign in which it reached the final but lost to France’s Bourg. Even though Bourg was eligible for EuroLeague participation, it said it would not take up the opportunity, clearing the way for the Turkish club. For Israeli basketball, the planned expansion could be especially significant, because while Maccabi Tel Aviv holds a permanent license, a 24-team format could eventually give Hapoel Jerusalem a route into the competition.