By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With plans to expand the playing field to 20 teams in place, Euroleague Basketball considered changing the competition format and splitting the participants into two conferences. A 38-game double-legged round-robin schedule, similar to the 34-game schedule of recent years, was instead preferred upon the official approval of the expansion.
“When there was talk of expanding to 20 teams, we were in favor, but not with the current format, which is gruelling for the players. My proposal was to divide it into two conferences, not necessarily geographical, but clearly structured, with draws and level brackets,” the general manager of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, Christos Stavropoulos, said in an interview with RealOlimpiaMilano, revealing his position during discussions on the next season of Europe’s premier club continental competition.
“The majority chose to keep this format, partly for economic reasons,” he explained.
The experienced executive also predicted a further increase in EuroLeague teams.
“There are many requests for new teams and sooner or later we will reach a larger number,” he said.
The list of new teams in the 2025-26 field includes Dubai, two years after the club was founded, and one year after entering the AdmiralBet ABA League.
“I think it was the right decision,” commented Stavropoulos, “It is an area that is opening up to sport and can make an important contribution.”
His side, coached by Ettore Messina, opens the next EuroLeague season against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet and Partizan Mozzart Bet in Belgrade Arena on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.