Euroleague approves 20 teams and expands to 24 for 2027-28 season

The Board of Directors of Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) has made strategic decisions that will shape the future of European basketball in the coming years. During a session addressing competitive, financial, and structural issues, the top officials of the Euroleague have outlined a clear roadmap to strengthen the competition's position on a continental level. All these resolutions will be formally ratified at the ECA General Assembly on the seventh of July in Barcelona.

The first issue addressed was the confirmation of the participant structure for the 2026-27 season. The Board has approved the list of twenty teams that will compete in the top European category, completing the final roster. In this context, Paris Basketball and Beşiktaş Istanbul have each received wildcards for a year, ensuring their presence in the competition for the upcoming season without the need for additional evaluation processes.

Expansion to twenty-four teams: the next step

Looking ahead, the shareholder clubs have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the Euroleague to twenty-four teams starting from the 2027-28 season. This decision is driven by the need to grow geographically and competitively, allowing for the inclusion of new markets and organizations with potential. The league officials will continue to evaluate innovative formats that accommodate expansion while maintaining a fundamental principle: that all teams play against each other, preserving competitive equity and match quality.

Integration with the general European basketball calendar will also be a priority during this resizing process. The goal is to ensure that expansion does not create logistical conflicts or negatively affect other continental competitions but rather contributes to a stronger and more cohesive sports ecosystem.

A significant milestone was the approval of Real Madrid's new ten-year license, following the completion of the renewal process earlier this week. This renewal reaffirms the continuity of one of the most iconic clubs on the continent in elite competition.

Franchise model and structural transformation

The CEO of the Euroleague Basketball, Chus Bueno, briefed the Board of Directors on the transformation of the current long-term licenses into a franchise model. This process, expected to be completed during the 2026-27 season, represents a paradigm shift in the ownership and governance structure of participating clubs. The transition aims to attract institutional investment, enhance financial stability, and further professionalize the management of organizations.

Simultaneously, the league will officially launch the process of assigning future franchises on the first of July. The interest expressed by Euroleague clubs, basketball organizations, and investors from new markets has been extraordinary, reflecting the current strength of the platform and the growth opportunities it represents on a global scale. This open process will allow new entities to join the project with clear criteria for sporting and financial viability.

Changes in the BKT EuroCup and new competitions

The Board of Directors also approved the final list of participants for the 2026-27 BKT EuroCup, the second most important European competition. Alongside this, a new format for the competition was confirmed, aiming to enhance competitive balance and the experience for clubs and fans. The regular season will feature four groups of eight teams, with the top sixteen advancing to the playoffs. The final phase will include round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final, with all series played in a best-of-three games format.

A notable addition is the launch of the new EuroLeague Super Cup, which will debut next season. The inaugural Super Cup is expected to be held on the eighteenth and nineteenth of September 2026, although more details on the specific format and participating clubs will be announced later. This competition will complement the calendar and provide an additional platform for entertainment and quality competition.

The official calendars are already confirmed: the Euroleague season will start on the twenty-fourth of September, while the BKT EuroCup will commence five days later on the twenty-ninth of September. This distribution allows for proper coordination between both competitions and facilitates logistics for clubs and fans.

Financial growth and regulatory reforms

The league executives presented a positive financial report highlighting revenue growth of over twelve percent compared to the 2024-25 season. This upward trend reflects the success of implemented commercial and marketing strategies, as well as the increasing global appeal of the competition. Prize money distribution to clubs is also expected to increase by at least ten percent during the upcoming season, directly benefiting the financial viability of participating organizations.

Furthermore, the Board of Directors approved several modifications to the competition regulations aimed at enhancing its operation and fairness. These include the elimination of the High Revenue Level mechanism before its planned implementation for the 2027-28 season, a decision informed by prior consultations and evaluations. The improvement of player conditions under the Euroleague Framework Agreement with the Players Association was also confirmed, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and rights of professionals. Finally, disciplinary sanction thresholds were raised to align with the current reality of the competition.

Chus Bueno emphasized that interest in joining the Euroleague has never been stronger. "We are extremely proud to bring together the fifty-two best clubs from across Europe, while continuing to open up opportunities for emerging markets. The interest shown by clubs wishing to join our competitions has been extraordinary, reaffirming the strength of the Euroleague Basketball platform and our long-term vision," stated the executive.

Regarding the franchise project, Bueno revealed that the league has already doubled its market value over the past year. "Since the implementation of our new strategic vision and franchise plan, we have already validated a market value of 1.4 billion euros through the offers received, doubling last year's valuation. With the momentum we are observing, we anticipate another doubling in the next two seasons, allowing us to reach a value of 4 billion euros within the next three to four years," he explained.

According to Bueno, thirty-seven percent of Euroleague shareholder clubs achieved financial sustainability last season, a figure expected to exceed seventy percent within the next two or three years. This data highlights the effectiveness of financial control policies and the overall improvement in the economic health of organizations.

Finally, Euroleague Basketball will officially present its long-term strategic vision on the seventh of July in Barcelona, including the launch of EuroLeague+, a new digital platform that will serve as the hub of European basketball. The beta version will be launched in September and is expected to connect clubs, leagues, and fans through a unified digital ecosystem, enhancing the experience for all parties involved in the competition.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Euroliga aprueba 20 equipos y expansión a 24 para 2027-28