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EuroLeague owners meet in Italy to decide on expansion and new franchises
EuroLeague owners and shareholders are convening in Lake Como, Italy, for a critical two-day meeting to determine the future structure of European basketball. The primary agenda includes a major expansion of the competition from 20 to 24 teams, scheduled to begin in the 2027-28 season.
A central component of this transition is the move toward a permanent franchise model. Currently, 13 shareholder clubs are evaluating 13 different candidacies for eight available long-term franchise positions. These candidates include clubs such as Partizan, Crvena Zvezda, PAOK, Aris, Paris, London Lions, and various Israeli and Italian teams. The financial stakes are significant, with franchise fees and investments estimated to reach billions of euros collectively.
Additionally, the meeting addresses the potential involvement of the NBA. Discussions regarding a possible partnership or the NBA acquiring a significant portion of EuroLeague shares are being held, though some reports suggest the current proposals may not yet meet the league's requirements for full acceptance. The outcome of these votes will define the competitive and economic landscape of elite European basketball for the next decade.
Entities
Crvena Zvezda · EuroLeague · FC Barcelona · Lake Como · NBA · Olympiacos · PAOK · Panathinaikos · Partizan
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] The league plans to expand from 16 to 24 teams starting from the 2027-28 season. www.pickandroll.gr · www.blogdebasket.com · ebasket.gr · www.sportal.gr · basketa.gr · +5 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] EuroLeague owners are meeting in Lake Como, Italy, to decide the competition's future. www.pickandroll.gr · www.blogdebasket.com · ebasket.gr · www.sportal.gr · basketa.gr · +4 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Financial proposals for the new franchises could exceed 900 million euros. www.pickandroll.gr · www.lavanguardia.com · sportmedia.rs
- [○ 1 SOURCE] PAOK has submitted a proposal including a 300 million euro investment for its stadium and team over five years.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The NBA has proposed an acquisition of a significant portion of EuroLeague shares. www.pickandroll.gr · ebasket.gr · totalbasket.gr · www.newsbeast.gr · sportmedia.rs
- [DISPUTED] Thirteen candidates are competing for eight new franchise positions. www.pickandroll.gr · www.blogdebasket.com · ebasket.gr · www.sportal.gr · basketa.gr · +6 more