Belgrade secures its future in the Euroleague with invitations for Partizan and Red Star
Red Star and Partizan have received formal invitations from the Euroleague to become permanent franchises.
The EuroLeague has confirmed through information published by the Serbian outlet Meridian Sport that Crvena Zvezda MTS and Partizan Belgrade have received formal invitations to become permanent franchises in the competition. This milestone represents a transformative change for Serbian basketball, solidifying the presence of the two eternal Belgrade rivals in the continental elite for decades.
The initiative aligns with a new system that the EuroLeague is implementing to transition current license holders into long-term franchises starting from the next season. Both clubs have vigorously pursued this elite status over the years, leveraging the passion of their fans, historical significance, and world-renowned atmosphere in their arenas to secure a permanent place in the top echelon of European basketball.
The invitations signify a strategic victory for the management of Crvena Zvezda and Partizan. Crvena Zvezda's leadership, spearheaded by its president Zeljko Drcelic, successfully concluded fruitful discussions with EuroLeague executives. During the decisive meetings held in early July, the Belgrade entity formally secured a long-term franchise license for the continental competition.
Simultaneously, Partizan's board, led by Ostoja Mijailovic, finalized its permanent membership in the EuroLeague. With this achievement, the club has reached its highest competitive ambition: long-term European stability. Both organizations thus conclude a negotiation process that reinforces their institutional position in the continental basketball landscape.
Restructuring of the EuroLeague and Its Expansion
This restructuring represents a pivotal step toward the broader strategic vision of the EuroLeague. The competition includes in its roadmap the expansion to new franchises and significant economic markets for the 2027-28 season. By securing the permanence of both Belgrade rivals, the organization solidifies its identity and simultaneously rewards the immense cultural and competitive value that Serbian basketball brings to the international stage.
The decision to grant long-term stability to Crvena Zvezda and Partizan reflects a clear strategy: to keep historically rooted teams in the competition with established fan bases and the ability to deliver high-level matches. The Belgrade derby has become a benchmark event in the EuroLeague, attracting fans from across Europe and generating significant media impact.
What once seemed like a distant dream for local fans is quickly becoming a reality. The assurances of staying in the top tier of European basketball allow both clubs to plan their futures with certainty. This institutional stability facilitates long-term investments in infrastructures, youth development, and strategic transfers.
Serbian basketball has proven to be a key factor in the development of European basketball. The defensive tradition, technical level, and competitive intensity that characterize Serbian teams have made a profound mark on the EuroLeague. Crvena Zvezda and Partizan are prime examples of this quality, consistently competing for titles and demonstrating the ability to challenge the continent's major powers.
The confirmation of both teams as permanent franchises carries significant implications for the future of European basketball. Firstly, it sets a precedent regarding the importance that the EuroLeague places on markets with tradition and proven passion. Secondly, it allows the competition to maintain historic rivalries that enhance its sports and television product.
The successful negotiations by Crvena Zvezda under the presidency of Zeljko Drcelic and Partizan under the leadership of Ostoja Mijailovic showcase both organizations' ability to effectively communicate their value to EuroLeague executives. These executives have managed to articulate a compelling message based on history, infrastructure, fan base, and competitive potential of their respective clubs.
For the upcoming season and beyond, the EuroLeague can count on the guaranteed presence of two teams that bring identity, tradition, and competitiveness. The eternal Belgrade derby will remain a premier event in the continental top tier, generating emotions and memorable encounters for European fans. This stability also benefits other clubs, allowing them to plan their schedules and strategies knowing they will face established and predictable rivals in their European commitments.
The transformation of license holders into permanent franchises signifies an evolution in EuroLeague governance, aiming to create a more stable and predictable structure for all parties involved. Crvena Zvezda and Partizan are the first to benefit from this new model, solidifying their presence in the elite of European basketball for the coming decades.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Belgrado se asegura su futuro en la Euroliga con invitaciones para Partizan y Estrella Roja
