# PAOK basketball franchise expansion and competition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paok-basketball-franchise-expansion-and-competition
> Updated: 2026-10-26T21:01:00.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2.

PAOK Thessaloniki has been identified as one of the first four clubs potentially joining the EuroLeague under a new franchise model. Reports from ‘Encestando’ suggest the initial group may include Valencia, Paris, Dubai BC, and PAOK, with official decisions expected in early November. This expansion is part of a ten-year financial plan involving the distribution of €3.4 billion, with entry fees from new clubs expected to contribute significantly to the total. The first four clubs are estimated to contribute approximately €300 million toward the projected €1.2 billion in entry fees expected from 12 to 15 new clubs over the next four years.

On the court, PAOK’s EuroCup campaign faced a setback in a Group D matchup against Bahçeşehir Koleji at the Sinan Erdem Sports Hall. Despite a career-high 30-point performance from Cedi Osman, who also recorded 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, the Greek side was unable to overcome a deficit that reached as high as 17 points. 

Bahçeşehir secured the 84-81 victory behind 28 points from Malachi Flynn. Although PAOK showed resilience in the second half by narrowing the gap to within two points in the final minutes, a decisive basket by Matías Pollitka and a missed three-pointer by Brin Tahiri sealed the result. Following the match, Bahçeşehir holds a 4-1 record and takes the top spot in Group D, while PAOK moves to 3-2 and remains in third place. Bahçeşehir coach Sasha Djordjevic noted that while pleased with the win, the team must play more decisively to prevent opponents from staying close in closing stages.

## Claims

- Bahçeşehir defeated PAOK with a final score of 84-81. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Cedi Osman scored 30 points during the match. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Besiktas and PAOK are competing in the 5th round of the EuroCup. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- AEK Athens is preparing for an away match against PAOK in the 4th round of the Greek Cup. (single source)
- Bahçeşehir's record in Group D is 4-1. (single source)
- PAOK's record in Group D is 3-2. (single source)
- Malachi Flynn scored 26 points. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Bahçeşehir defeats PAOK 84-81 in EuroCup clash

Bahçeşehir defeated PAOK 84-81 in a competitive EuroCup matchup. Despite Cedi Osman's 30-point effort, PAOK's comeback attempt fell short against a strong Bahçeşehir performance led by Malachi Flynn.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paok-faces-besiktas-in-eurocup-matchup

### 2026-10-18: PAOK reportedly among first four clubs for EuroLeague franchise expansion

PAOK Thessaloniki is reportedly among the first four clubs, alongside Valencia, Paris, and Dubai BC, to be considered for EuroLeague franchise status under a new financial model.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paok-reportedly-among-first-four-clubs-for-euroleague-franchise-expansion

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Cite as: PAOK basketball franchise expansion and competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paok-basketball-franchise-expansion-and-competition