Itoudis defends the growth of the EuroLeague to 30 teams

The expansion of the Euroleague is an issue that has generated debate in recent times, but Dimitris Itoudis maintains a clear and firm stance on the matter. In statements to Mozzartsport, the Greek coach has reiterated his support for a Euroleague with more teams, arguing that growth is essential for the future of the continental competition.

Itoudis has been a staunch advocate for expanding the Euroleague to thirty teams, and on this occasion, he has once again shared his vision for how the league should evolve. The coach is fully aligned with the current direction the competition is taking and hopes that, sooner rather than later, the ideal number of thirty clubs he envisions for European basketball will be achieved.

A clear roadmap towards the future

According to Itoudis, the path is progressive and realistic. “I believe we are heading in the right direction: we will have 24 teams, maybe we will reach 26, and perhaps in the future, God willing, to what I dream and long for: 30 clubs,” said the coach of Hapoel Tel Aviv. For the Greek coach, this structure would allow for organizing conferences or groups in which to compete and, ultimately, reach the playoffs with a more balanced dynamic.

The model that Itoudis advocates has a clear goal: for the last game of the season to be of the Euroleague and for the basketball season in Europe to end with the playoffs of the continental competition. For him, this would represent “the pinnacle of basketball.” Although he acknowledges that the process could take a decade, the coach expresses his desire to witness this milestone alongside other basketball fans and professionals.

The return of Russian teams as a catalyst

Itoudis's reasoning regarding expansion is straightforward and consistent. The coach starts from the premise that there are currently twenty teams in the competition, and he believes that the next natural step is the return of Russian teams to the Euroleague. “I believe and hope that Russian teams will return. FIBA has given the green light to players, individual athletes, and referees, so the next step would be teams and team sports,” he explains.

If Russian teams return to the competition, something that Itoudis sees as a personal wish, the expansion would naturally accelerate. The coach points out that there are already other interested candidates wanting to be part of the expanded Euroleague. Among them, he mentions PAOK, Aris, Roma, and Hapoel Tel Aviv, in addition to other teams wishing to join this larger structure.

Financial stability and professional growth

One of the strongest arguments that Itoudis makes is that of financial stability. A greater number of teams in the competition would mean that all of them could ensure a more solid economic foundation. “All the teams that want to be part of this, which means we will have more teams that can guarantee financial stability,” notes the coach of Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Beyond the purely competitive aspect, Itoudis sees direct benefits for the entire ecosystem of European basketball. An expanded Euroleague would generate opportunities for more players within the industry. “This means more teams, more players, more coaches, more referees,” lists the Greek coach. Each new club joining the competition represents the addition of professionals in various areas, from the court to officiating.

The debate on the viability of expansion

Itoudis is aware that the expansion is not a closed issue and that there are differing opinions on the matter. “Whether this expansion will be accepted or not is a topic of debate,” acknowledges the coach. However, his position is firm: “I believe we must grow.” For Itoudis, growth is necessary and desirable, regardless of the difficulties it may entail.

The Greek coach and former Euroleague champion understands that bringing the competition to thirty teams requires coordination, consensus, and long-term planning. But his conviction is that European basketball is ready to take this step and that the benefits will outweigh the possible drawbacks. Itoudis's experience as an elite coach allows him to have a clear perspective on what the competition needs to continue growing and establishing itself as one of the best basketball leagues in the world.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Itoudis defiende el crecimiento de la Euroliga hacia 30 equipos