PAOK seeks to enter the EuroLeague starting in 2027

With the start of the Super Cup of the Euroleague in Abu Dhabi, strategic moves off the court are emerging that could shape the future of European basketball. Telis Mistakidis, the owner of PAOK, is in the capital of the United Arab Emirates holding crucial talks with Chus Bueno, the CEO of Euroleague Basketball, and other key shareholders of the league. These meetings reflect the advancement of a project that could transform the landscape of Greek basketball in the coming years.

An ambitious project for the European elite

Although there is no official announcement, sources consulted indicate that the reception towards the Thessaloniki club is extraordinarily positive. The trend clearly points to PAOK becoming the third Greek franchise in the Euroleague, joining the historic Panathinaikos Aktor and Olympiacos starting from the 2027-28 season. This milestone would represent a significant change in the structure of the competition and further consolidate Greek presence in the continental elite.

Mistakidis has presented a detailed formal proposal to the league officials. The document includes a long-term plan that contemplates substantial investments, with the construction of a completely new arena as the centerpiece of the project. This modern infrastructure would be essential for the club to compete at the level required by the Euroleague.

The backing of Euroleague leaders

Chus Bueno has not hidden his admiration for the goals and vision of the PAOK owner. The executive praised the 64-year-old businessman, labeling him as a person of great stature with an extraordinary vision. According to Bueno, Mistakidis wants to take the Thessaloniki club to the highest levels of the competition, transforming it into a powerhouse capable of competing for major European titles.

The CEO of Euroleague Basketball emphasized that Mistakidis has the necessary financial resources and is deeply committed to basketball. He highlighted that the project being developed by PAOK constitutes a solid and well-structured proposal, with real foundations for its implementation. Although Bueno was cautious about definitive timelines, the reality is that the trend toward PAOK's incorporation is undeniable.

The path to the Euroleague: EuroCup as a springboard

Before making the definitive leap to the elite of European basketball, the Thessaloniki team will focus on immediate improvements both nationally and in continental competitions. During the 2026-27 season, PAOK will compete in the BKT EuroCup, the second most important competition on the continent. The club will begin its participation in Group D of the regular phase, which will allow it to gain experience and international visibility.

This participation in the EuroCup is a crucial strategic step. It will allow PAOK to establish itself as a respectable rival in European basketball, improve its sports infrastructure, and build a solid foundation for the subsequent leap to the Euroleague. The competition will serve as a laboratory for the club to test its organizational and sporting capabilities before facing the challenges of the highest continental category.

Implications for Greek basketball

The incorporation of PAOK into the Euroleague would have a considerable impact on Greek basketball. Greece would consolidate itself as one of the most important powers in the competition, with three representatives in the European elite. This strengthened presence would open new opportunities for the development of basketball in the country and attract greater investment and media attention towards the sport.

The Mistakidis project reflects the growing trend among basketball team owners to invest in modern infrastructures and long-term strategic plans. The construction of the new arena will not only benefit PAOK but will also elevate the standards of the facilities available for professional basketball in the region.

The official confirmation of PAOK in the Euroleague, when made public, will mark a turning point in the history of the Thessaloniki club. From now until the 2027-28 season, the team will need to demonstrate its competitive capabilities and consolidate the foundations on which its participation in the top European competition will be built. Everything points to the fact that this journey has only just begun.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, PAOK busca entrar en la Euroliga a partir de 2027