By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The final list of teams for EuroLeague and EuroCup wasn’t confirmed today, but things are moving fast in reshaping the competition into a more business-oriented structure.
According to Eurohoops sources, while Real Madrid hasn’t signed the new 10-year contract with the EuroLeague yet, they were the catalyst in the decision to proceed next season in the announced evolution to franchises.
To be exact, Real Madrid proposed moving from clubs to franchises immediately, and the process is being accelerated.
EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno explained in his recent Eurohoops interview why the change from clubs to franchises must be made. However, it has to be added that the franchise agreements are also expected to include an opt-out clause of 100M euros for clubs that may want to leave for other competitions to protect the asset value of the remaining franchises.
Only the teams that have extended their 10-year license will get the right to become franchises, so Madrid is expected to sign soon.
Monaco and Besiktas duel for the 20th EuroLeague spot
There are 18 clubs currently in the EuroLeague that have licenses for next season, most of them long-term, and there are two one-year wildcards left.
Per Eurohoops sources, it’s a given that Paris will get one of those two wildcards, and Monaco remains the frontrunner for the second, but EuroCup finalists Besiktas is also a very strong candidate to get it, something almost unthinkable one month ago.
Monaco presented its case in the EuroLeague board, and their plans look good and are ambitious. Having a former NBA star and investor like Jamal Mashburn, together with other individuals and organizations, supporting this transformation is a plus, but the timing of the transition to the new administration can be a problem.
The EuroLeague need to confirm the participating clubs for next season by the end of the month and Monaco may not be able to present on time the strong guarantees needed to secure their spot. If Monaco is not able to present those guarantees, then they will play in the EuroCup.
There are also proposals from other teams, like Hapoel Jerusalem, but with the situation in Israel being unstable, Besiktas is the most likely candidate to replace Monaco if needed. The Final decision is expected to be announced at the next EuroLeague board on June 26th.
It has also to be noted that with the expansion into consideration for the 2027-28 season, there are also offers for new franchises from existing clubs, investment groups and individuals, including cities such as Rome, London and Berlin which in total can be evaluated to €600M. The EuroLeague board will start evaluating all on July 1, as not all of them will fit the expansion plans.
As for the EuroCup, so far 30 clubs are confirmed and two more are left for an official announcement of the list.
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