AS Monaco basketball barred from French professional league over financial issues

The French basketball regulator DNCCG has denied AS Monaco's entry into the Betclic Elite for the 2026‑27 season, effectively excluding the club from the French championship and the French Cup. Despite winning the national title only weeks earlier and securing three domestic trophies in the 2025‑26 season, the Principality's team faces a heavy debt burden estimated at tens of millions of euros and an imminent state‑loan repayment deadline at the end of June. The regulator cited non‑compliance with financial viability requirements, and the club has been warned of possible insolvency.

Monaco plans to appeal the decision; a judicial hearing is set for 10 July, with a further appeal deadline on 20 July. The club must attract new investors to assume its debt and guarantee the project’s financial solidity in order to regain a place in the top tier. In the meantime, the team will be relegated to compete in the EuroCup rather than the EuroLeague.