Euroleague projects €13 billion in value over ten years

The Euroleague Basketball has outlined its roadmap for the next decade with an ambitious business plan that goes far beyond the ongoing discussions with the NBA. Following the meeting held on October 6 by Lake Como, the 13 shareholder clubs of Euroleague Commercial Assets have approved the fundamental economic pillars of a strategy designed to transform the landscape of European basketball and solidify its global position.

A historic distribution of resources among the clubs

The most notable announcement is the total distribution of 3.4 billion euros that the Euroleague will distribute among the participating teams over a span of ten years. This figure is divided into two clear components: 2.2 billion euros from commercial revenue and 1.2 billion euros derived from franchise fees. To contextualize the scope of this transformation, it suffices to compare it with the current reality: clubs currently receive around 70 million euros annually in distributions per market and performance bonuses.

The jump from 70 million to figures that will exceed 340 million euros annually on average over the decade represents a radical change in the economic model of the competition. This increase is not coincidental, but rather the result of a comprehensive strategy that encompasses multiple areas: expansion, technology, modernization of facilities, and, fundamentally, sustainable commercial growth.

Commercial revenue: from past growth to ambitious future

Average revenue per matchday has doubled in the last three years, while commercial revenue has grown by 50% in the last three seasons. These figures are not merely statistics; they reflect the clubs' ability to develop more sophisticated business models, attract larger sponsors, and better monetize their digital and commercial assets.

Expansion and new investment opportunities

Expansion constitutes another fundamental pillar of the ten-year strategy. Currently, Euroleague Basketball has 15 binding offers on the table with a combined value of 1.2 billion euros, reflecting global interest in participating in the future development of the competition. This interest does not arise out of nowhere: it responds to the growing valuation of the League and the confidence of investors in its business model.

The plan includes two planned expansion windows set for 2027 and 2031, through which the 1.2 billion euros in franchise fees would be collected. These amounts would supplement the commercial distributions, creating new opportunities to increase the available economic resources across the League and allowing existing clubs to indirectly benefit from the growth generated by new members.

Transformation towards a franchise model and revaluation

The transition towards a franchise-based model is the central axis of long-term value creation. Based on current valuations—1.8 billion euros for all licensed clubs and 1.4 billion for the League—the plan anticipates substantial growth over the next decade.

The transition is expected to generate an immediate increase in the value of both the clubs and the League starting from the 2026-27 season, with a projected 25% increase. However, the ten-year projections are even more ambitious: the combined value of the current licensed clubs would reach 5.4 billion euros, tripling their current value, while the League would reach 7.98 billion euros, which is 5.7 times its estimated current value. Overall, the total valuation projection of 13 billion euros represents an unprecedented scale shift in European basketball.

This transformation is designed to provide a long-term framework that favors investment, stability, and commercial growth. Clubs will benefit from the increased value of the competition as a whole, without needing to take on additional risks or make supplementary investments beyond what is expected.

Financial sustainability as a central priority

Beyond the ambitious numbers, the Euroleague's plan places the financial sustainability of the clubs at the center of its strategy. Currently, around 40% of licensed clubs are considered financially sustainable. The goal is for all to achieve this status by the end of the first phase of the business plan.

Xavi Puyada, CFO of Euroleague Basketball, has emphasized this commitment: "An increasing number of our clubs have achieved sustainable financial operations in recent years. All clubs regard full sustainability as an absolute priority, and the 10-year business plan places this goal at the center of its strategy." He adds that "the value of the Euroleague and its clubs is growing rapidly, a trend that will accelerate even further as we execute the plan."

To ensure this goal, the organization plans to reinforce its Financial Fair Play regulations, in line with the conclusions reached by the 13 shareholders at the Como meeting. This stricter regulation aims to support clubs on their path to long-term financial sustainability, avoiding unsustainable indebtedness and promoting responsible business models.

Technology and innovation as drivers of transformation

Technological modernization is inseparable from the growth strategy. At the heart of this transformation is Euroleague Basketball+, the initiative aimed at creating the "digital home" of European basketball. This platform will allow the League and its clubs to access new monetization opportunities, from exclusive digital content to interactive experiences for global fans.

Meanwhile, the modernization and development of facilities will remain a key priority. The newly created VenueCO acts as a facilitator, providing participating clubs with access to financing and specialized advice to build, upgrade, and maximize the use of their sports venues. This initiative recognizes that modern and well-equipped stadiums are strategic assets for generating revenue and enhancing the fan experience.

The ten-year business plan brings together all these priorities into a coherent framework, designed to accelerate commercial growth, increase the value of the League and its clubs, and ensure that the economic benefits of the competition contribute to a stronger and more sustainable European basketball ecosystem. This plan represents a valid roadmap whether a collaboration with the NBA materializes or if the League continues its independent development.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Euroliga proyecta 13.000 millones en valor en diez años