By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Board of Directors of Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) has approved a series of key decisions regarding the future of European basketball, including the participating teams for the 2026-27 season, the competition calendar, expansion plans and the ongoing transition to a franchise model. All decisions will be submitted for ratification at the ECA General Assembly on July 7.
The Board confirmed the 20-team lineup for the 2026-27 EuroLeague season, with Paris Basketball and Beşiktaş Istanbul receiving one-year wildcards. The decision also completes the field for next season’s competition.
Looking further ahead, the clubs reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the EuroLeague to 24 teams beginning with the 2027-28 season. League officials will continue evaluating formats that can accommodate the expansion while maintaining the principle that every team plays every other team and ensuring better integration with the broader European basketball calendar.
Another major milestone came with the approval of Real Madrid’s new 10-year license, following the completion of the renewal process earlier this week.
Euroleague Basketball CEO Chus Bueno also updated the Board on the transformation of the current long-term licenses into franchises, a process expected to be finalized during the 2026-27 season. At the same time, the league will officially launch the process of allocating future franchises on July 1, with strong interest already expressed by existing EuroLeague clubs, basketball organizations and investors representing new markets.
EuroCup format changes
The Board also approved the final list of participants for the 2026-27 BKT EuroCup season.
In addition, the competition format has been confirmed. The regular season will feature four groups of eight teams, with the top 16 advancing to the playoffs. The postseason will include the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals, with every series played in a best-of-three format.
SuperCup launches in September
A brand-new Euroleague Basketball competition will also debut next season.
The inaugural SuperCup is expected to take place on September 18-19, 2026, although further details regarding the format and participating clubs will be announced at a later date.
The official calendars have also been confirmed, with the EuroLeague season tipping off on September 24 and the EuroCup beginning five days later, on September 29.
Financial growth and regulatory changes
League executives presented another positive financial update, highlighting revenue growth of more than 12 percent compared to the 2024-25 season. Club distributions are also expected to increase by at least 10 percent during the upcoming campaign.
The Board approved several amendments to the competition regulations, including removing the High Remuneration Level mechanism before its planned implementation in 2027-28, improving player conditions under the EuroLeague Framework Agreement with the EuroLeague Players’ Association and increasing disciplinary sanction thresholds.
Bueno: €4 billion valuation is the target
Bueno emphasized that the interest in joining Euroleague Basketball has never been stronger.
“We are incredibly proud to bring together the best 52 clubs from across Europe while continuing to open opportunities for emerging markets. The level of interest from clubs seeking to join our competitions has been extraordinary, reaffirming the strength of the Euroleague Basketball platform and our long-term vision,” he said.
Speaking about the franchise project, Bueno revealed that the league has already doubled its market valuation over the past year.
“Since implementing our new strategic vision and franchise plan, we have already validated a market valuation of €1.4 billion through offers received, doubling last year’s valuation. Based on the momentum we are seeing, we anticipate another doubling over the next two seasons, putting us on track to reach a €4 billion valuation within the next three to four years.”
According to Bueno, 37 percent of EuroLeague shareholder clubs achieved financial sustainability last season, with that figure expected to exceed 70 percent within the next two to three years.
He also announced that Euroleague Basketball will officially unveil its long-term strategic vision on July 7 in Barcelona, including the launch of EuroLeague+, a new digital platform that will serve as the central hub for European basketball. The beta version is scheduled to launch in September and is expected to connect clubs, leagues and fans through a unified digital ecosystem.
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