By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Euroleague Basketball officially confirmed major updates for the EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup on Tuesday, alongside plans for a new preseason Cup and preparations for meetings with FIBA and the NBA.
These developments follow a wide-ranging interview where CEO Chus Bueno outlined the competition’s evolution and expansion plans to Eurohoops.
Backed by record financial performance and sustainability projections, the board confirmed license extensions for LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and Fenerbahce Beko, while reviewing strong expansion interest from multiple European cities.
Per the press release: “The Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) Board met on Tuesday, June 9, to review the strong progress achieved across key areas of the organization’s three-year strategic plan, and to approve a series of important proposals that will support the continued growth of Euroleague Basketball competitions.
Euroleague Basketball executives, led by President Dejan Bodiroga and CEO Chus Bueno, presented the Board with updates on several strategic priorities ahead of further key decisions later this month, while also briefing club representatives on recent developments across the European basketball ecosystem.
The meeting reflected the continued momentum of Euroleague Basketball following an outstanding season across its competitions, with record performance, growing demand from clubs and investors, and a clear strategic path toward greater stability, value creation and long-term sustainability.
Dejan Bodiroga, Euroleague Basketball President, and Chus Bueno, Euroleague Basketball CEO, said: “Euroleague Basketball is moving forward with confidence, ambition and unity. The progress achieved across our strategic plan confirms the strength of our competitions, the commitment of our clubs and the growing appeal of our project among fans, partners, investors and basketball stakeholders.
“We are coming from an outstanding season and, at the same time, we are already focused on the next phase of growth. The decisions reviewed and approved by the Board are an important step towards building stronger competitions, creating greater long-term value for our clubs, and reinforcing Euroleague Basketball’s position at the heart of European basketball.”
EuroLeague
The Board reaffirmed its decision to continue the transition of current 10-year license holders into franchisees next season.
Clubs also received an update on the expansion process for the new franchises and markets, which was approved in March and is scheduled to formally begin by July 1. The process will support the planned expansion of the EuroLeague from the 2027-28 season, welcoming a greater number of teams/cities awarding new franchises.
The Board was informed of the exceptional level of interest already received from multiple parties, comprised by existing clubs, investment groups and individuals, and including cities such as Rome, London and Berlin, amongst others, underlining the strength of the EuroLeague project and its growing appeal as one of the most attractive sports properties in Europe.
The Board also approved the license extensions of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, and was updated on ongoing conversations with Real Madrid with regards to this subject.
Lastly, the executive team updated the Board on potential one-year wild cards to be awarded for the 2026-27 season, including the list of interested teams.
Xavi Puyada, Euroleague Basketball Chief Financial Officer, said: “We are very satisfied with the financial progress and performance of the EuroLeague, both this season and in recent years, once again reaching record levels in revenue, profit and club distributions.
The remarkable improvement in the commercial performance of the clubs, together with the recently established Competitive Balance Standards, has created a strong framework to accelerate the path toward greater sustainability.
Today, more than one third of our teams are already fully sustainable, and we project that we will reach the 70% threshold within three years, hopefully even earlier. With the transition to a new franchise structure, which should increase the value of the league and its clubs while encouraging further investment, and with the strategic commercial plan now being rolled out, the opportunities ahead are tremendous.”
BKT EuroCup
The BKT EuroCup was a central topic of discussion, with the Board receiving an update on the future development of the competition and the outstanding level of interest from clubs across Europe ahead of the 2026-27 season, with more than 40 expressions of interest received.
The Board approved the expansion of the BKT EuroCup to 32 teams, divided into four groups of eight. Sixteen teams will advance to the postseason, which will feature Eighthfinals, Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals, all played under a best-of-three playoff format.
The final roster of participating teams will include access from a selection of domestic leagues, according to final league rankings, complemented by approximately 20 teams receiving long-term, five-year licenses. This structure is designed to increase stability, promote investment and support long-term planning among participating clubs. The remaining spots will be completed through one-year wild cards.
Diego Guillén, Euroleague Basketball Chief Competitions Officer, said: “We have just closed an incredible season across all Euroleague Basketball competitions, including the EuroLeague, the BKT EuroCup and the adidas NextGen EuroLeague. Looking ahead to next season, we are very pleased to see the enormous interest that the BKT EuroCup has generated from clubs across Europe.
We will continue working with great determination to strengthen the BKT EuroCup and maximize its sporting and commercial potential. With the level of demand we are seeing, I am confident the competition will deliver exceptional quality and become an even more important platform for clubs, players and fans.”
Participating teams and those awarded long-term licenses will be announced in the coming days.
New pre-season Cup
The Board received an update on ongoing discussions with potential host cities for a new pre-season competition featuring four teams in a two-day format.
The competition could launch in either 2026 or 2027, and the Board agreed to finalize discussions for formal review and approval at the next ECA Board meeting.
Stakeholder relationships
Club representatives also received an update from CEO Chus Bueno on the continued advancement of conversations with several basketball stakeholders, including domestic leagues and the NBA/FIBA, in preparation of an upcoming meeting in Geneva on June 10.”
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