Four Clubs Lead Race for Permanent EuroLeague Spots Amid Expansion Plans
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
The EuroLeague is planning to expand to 24 teams, with Valencia, Dubai, Paris Basketball, and PAOK Thessaloniki identified as leading candidates for permanent spots. The expansion process is expected to occur in three phases starting in late 2026. The cost for a franchise is estimated at around 50 million euros, with 15 clubs submitting proposals totaling 1.2 billion euros. The league's expansion plans could be affected by ongoing discussions with the NBA about a potential joint competition.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Four clubs, Valencia, Dubai, Paris Basketball, and PAOK Thessaloniki, are frontrunners for permanent EuroLeague spots.
- The EuroLeague plans to expand to 24 teams, offering eight permanent licenses.
- The expansion process is slated to occur in three phases, beginning in late 2026.
- Franchise entry fees are expected to start at approximately 50 million euros.
- NBA negotiations could impact the EuroLeague's expansion strategy and structure.
The EuroLeague is reportedly preparing for a significant expansion, with four clubs identified as frontrunners to secure permanent spots in the revamped competition. Valencia, Dubai, Paris Basketball, and PAOK Thessaloniki are considered the leading candidates in the initial phase of the league's restructuring, according to BasketNews. This expansion is part of a multi-stage process, with the first phase potentially commencing in November or December 2026, followed by subsequent stages in early 2027 and concluding by the summer of 2027.
Other clubs reportedly still in contention for these coveted spots include Hapoel Tel Aviv, Hapoel Jerusalem, Maximа Roma, Roma SPQR, Virtus Bologna, Napoli, Partizan Belgrade, Crvena Zvezda, Aris Thessaloniki, and London Lions. The EuroLeague aims to expand to 24 teams, with eight permanent licenses available. If all eight are awarded, 21 of the 24 participating teams would hold permanent status.
The entry fee for a franchise is estimated to start around 50 million euros, though the final figure will be subject to individual negotiations, potentially leading to varied price tags for each club. Currently, 15 proposals totaling approximately 1.2 billion euros have been submitted, aligning with revenue projections for major expansion phases planned for 2027 and 2031.
However, the EuroLeague's expansion strategy may be influenced by ongoing negotiations with the NBA regarding a potential joint league. The NBA reportedly opposes the EuroLeague's plan for 24 teams, preferring a more limited structure if an agreement is reached. The EuroLeague has already rejected the NBA's initial proposal for a shared competition and is expected to present a counter-offer. Both leagues anticipate significant developments in the coming weeks, which will likely clarify the future of their potential partnership and shape the direction of European basketball and the expansion plans.
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