By Aris Barkas / barkas@eurohoops.net
Following the epitome of AS Monaco’s growing trajectory in the EuroLeague, the 2nd place reached in the 2025 Final Four against Fenerbahce, the red-and-white side will continue to be part of the competition’s legacy in the future.
The club’s General Manager, Oleksiy Yefimov, sat down with the media to discuss the role of AS Monaco within the future of the EuroLeague.
“We had no pressure to rush into any decision, to be honest. Monaco had earned its place on sporting merit, and we mutually agreed with the league to take the time to engage in open, transparent, and constructive dialogue about our future together,” he opened.
“These conversations are ongoing and constructive. Both the EuroLeague and we are clear: we want to grow together, so that is a great starting point for further discussion.”
Asked by Eurohoops on the project regarding a new arena, Yefimov answered with optimism. “We are very encouraged by the response we have received so far. Every stakeholder we have spoken to, or who has reached out to us, shares our excitement and belief in the potential of this project.”
“As with any ambitious business idea, validation is crucial. And when experts across the board see this as a genuine opportunity and not a pipedream, it confirms to us that this is real if we choose to act and execute. The main challenge we face is land availability. That is a very real issue in Monaco,” he added.
“We have looked at several options and currently have two potential sites in mind, with a clear preference for one of them. Securing approval for that preferred location will be key, because from everything we have evaluated so far, feasibility and financing are not the obstacles. We are confident that with the right alignment, this project can become a defining moment for Monaco and for the sport.”
Oleksiy Yefimov also touched on the decision to delay the signing of a Wild Card. “For us, the Wild Card was never the point, even though we did enter into those discussions with them as per their request. As a young and ambitious club, we are entering what we consider the final phase of a beautiful journey.”
“This phase is focused on building a world-class entertainment hub in the heart of the Principality. That requires the right foundations, and that will be defining every decision we take,” he also added.
“This next phase is not just about performance. It is about longevity, stability, and having a seat at the table when decisions are made that shape your own future.”
“We are looking for a system where our investment is nurtured, our vision is supported, and where the growth of the club contributes to the growth of the league as a whole,” Oleksiy Yefimov commented.
“We also believe that being part of the decision-making process matters, not only for the club but for the long-term success of the league. Over the past few years, we have made significant investments and helped unlock value across multiple areas.”
“A large part of the revenue coming from the French market has been driven by our efforts, and we are proud to have contributed in a meaningful way to the ecosystem,” Monaco’s GM continued.
Commenting on the EuroLeague’s process, the Ukrainian 39-year-old shared the club’s trust in the league. “We fully understand and respect the EuroLeague’s licensing system. We also recognize that every club has its own journey.
“In our case, we felt it was important to reflect carefully on the long-term direction we are taking. We are still a young club with big ambitions, and as we look to build a permanent home, it is essential that we do so with the right structure and support around us.”
“We understand that these discussions are essential. It is important not only to define our own next steps but also to help clarify the broader pathway that leads from receiving a Wild Card to earning a permanent seat at the table. We are fully engaged in that process and committed to finding solutions that benefit all parties involved,” Oleksiy Yefimov concluded.
PHOTO CREDIT: BKT EuroCup