EuroLeague Expands to 24 Teams with New Franchise System by 2027-28 Season
The EuroLeague, Europe's premier basketball competition, has officially announced a major expansion and structural overhaul. By the 2027-28 season, the league will grow from its current size to include 24 teams. This expansion involves awarding eight long-term franchise licenses, marking a shift from the existing licensing system to a franchise model.
Currently, 13 teams hold A licenses, including Maccabi Tel Aviv, and these will be converted into long-term franchise licenses during the upcoming season. Additionally, two spots will be reserved for clubs qualifying through the EuroCup, ensuring some competitive entry remains.
The league has already received over 20 formal proposals from interested parties, with potential investments exceeding 1.2 billion euros. Alongside the increase in teams, the EuroLeague is expected to implement structural changes, possibly moving away from the current single-league format with 38 rounds to a new system that accommodates the larger roster of teams.
This transformation represents a significant evolution in European basketball, aiming to stabilize club participation and attract greater investment and commercial growth.
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