The number of Euroleague participants may increase from next season

eight clubs Europa League They are coming together to give existing tournament participants without shareholder status more money and more influence in the league, BasketNews reported.

Additionally, teams that are not currently playing in the Euroleague may also be included in this association. Such a move could speed up negotiations for EuroLeague expansion and change the way existing clubs without shareholder status operate in the tournament.

The main group of unincorporated EuroLeague clubs preparing to form a union includes the association’s founder Dubai, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Valencia, Monaco, Partizan, Red Star and Virtus Bologna.

These clubs want to have a stronger say in the EuroLeague decision-making process and make their participation in the tournament more profitable by gaining a larger share of league revenues.

Collectively, this group believes it can help grow the EuroLeague’s overall business by promoting the idea of ​​more full-time teams in major markets and creating additional value for the entire ecosystem. In addition, if the Euroleague expands its shareholder base, it could strengthen the league’s position against the potential emergence of NBA Europe and maintain its status as Europe’s leading international club tournament.

The clubs involved believe that the current ecosystem created by the Euroleague’s current shareholders is not entirely fair and does not realize its full financial potential. Therefore, the association plans to make a financial offer to existing shareholders in order to enter the ecosystem and gain more benefits from participation in the Euroleague.

It is expected that the group will include not only current Euroleague clubs but also teams that are not currently participating in the tournament. In particular, Hapoel Jerusalem, one of the favorites of the Eurocup, is already ready to participate. The association is also exploring the possibility of future entry of Beşiktaş Istanbul, PAOK Thessaloniki and Napoli Basket.

Paris may also participate in this. However, this will happen if ASVEL does not achieve the shareholder status it currently enjoys and then plans to leave the Euroleague from next season to participate in the NBA Europe project.

Euroleague plans to expand to 24 teams by introducing a conference format starting next season. This will slightly reduce each team’s number of games while increasing the total number of games. It is believed that such a structure could bring in more revenue than television rights.

Euroleague also wants to reserve two places each year for teams that qualify for the EuroCup (finalists of the tournament).

If the Euroleague cannot reach an agreement with this new union, there is still a possibility that these teams will look for alternatives such as joining other projects or establishing a new league. For now, this is just a hypothetical scenario because the association’s priority is to advance in the Euroleague. However, given the size and power of the new group, as well as the possible reduction in the shareholder list, the association may have real negotiating power once the dialogue begins.

It is not yet clear whether the new union will achieve full shareholder status, but its direction is clear. The aim is to strengthen its place in the EuroLeague ecosystem and have a broader and more respected voice at the negotiation table.

Moreover, the shareholder structure of the Euroleague may look different next season, as 4 of the 13 clubs have not yet officially signed a new license. Most likely, ASVEL will not remain among the shareholders and Real Madrid is still torn between the Euroleague and NBA Europe projects. In addition, according to other shareholders, the contracts of Barcelona and Fenerbahce, which will remain in the Euroleague, have not been extended yet.