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EuroLeague to expand to 24 teams under new franchise model
The EuroLeague is undergoing a major structural transformation, expanding from 20 to 24 teams starting with the 2027-28 season. The league is moving toward a permanent franchise model, with 21 of the 24 spots intended to be fixed, mirroring North American professional sports systems.
Following a recent meeting of the Board of Directors in Barcelona, the league announced that 11 candidates have been pre-approved to move to the next phase of the process. These candidates have submitted binding offers totaling nearly 700 million euros in entry fees, with total projected investments exceeding 3.2 billion euros over the next five years.
Among the pre-approved candidates are clubs such as PAOK, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Partizan, Roma Maxima, Virtus Bologna, Dubai BC, Paris, London Lions, Valencia, and Napoli. Hapoel Jerusalem has also submitted an initial framework proposal for a long-term franchise. The expansion aims to strengthen the league's commercial presence in key markets including Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, while adding new strategic locations like Dubai and London.
The 13 current license holders, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Olympiacos, will remain part of the structure. Final decisions regarding the new franchises are expected to be announced in September.
Entities
Abu Dhabi · Aris · Chus Bueno · EuroLeague · EuroLeague Basketball · Euroleague Commercial Assets · Napoli Basketball · PAOK
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Euroleague CEO Chus Bueno announced that more than 12 binding offers have been received for franchise participation. www.emakedonia.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Greek clubs PAOK and Aris have expressed interest in joining the league via the franchise model. www.flash.gr · www.gazzetta.gr · www.emakedonia.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Total investment from the pre-approved offers is expected to exceed 3.2 billion euros over five years. www.flash.gr · www.emakedonia.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Euroleague has signed an agreement with the Euroleague Coaches Association to establish a framework agreement. www.flash.gr · www.gazzetta.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The value of the Euroleague is projected to reach 4.3 billion euros by 2027. www.flash.gr
- [DISPUTED] The Euroleague plans to increase the number of teams to 24 starting from the 2027-28 season. www.gazzetta.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The expansion plan includes the creation of eight new franchises. www.gazzetta.gr
- [DISPUTED] Eleven offers have been pre-approved and moved to the next evaluation phase. www.flash.gr · www.emakedonia.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Thirteen existing clubs will retain their licenses. gradskeinfo.rs · www.sportmagazin.rs · sportklub.n1info.si
- [● 3 SOURCES] The names of all participants will be announced in September. gradskeinfo.rs · www.sportmagazin.rs · sportklub.n1info.si
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 11 accepted candidates submitted binding offers totaling nearly 700 million euros in franchise fees. gradskeinfo.rs · sportklub.n1info.si
- [● 3 SOURCES] The league aims to award up to eight new long-term franchises for the 2027/28 season. gradskeinfo.rs · www.sportmagazin.rs · sportklub.n1info.si