EuroLeague is on the verge of entering a new era in its competitive and economic structure. According to Eurohoops, the 13 shareholder clubs in the competition are moving toward a permanent franchise model that would transform current licensing agreements into indefinite participation in the tournament.
The move, set to take effect after the start of the 2026/27 season, would result in an immediate increase in the value of the competition and its teams, estimated at around 25%. The goal is to strengthen the stability of the project, secure the presence of founding members, and pave the way for an expansion with significant economic impact.
According to Eurohoops' reporting, EuroLeague has already received more than 17 expansion proposals from clubs, cities, and investment groups. Markets mentioned include cities such as London, Rome, and Berlin, in addition to strong interest from Partizan Mozzart Bet and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet.
The first phase of expansion is targeted for the 2027/28 season, with the possibility of incorporating between six and eight new franchises and expanding the competition to 24 teams. Additionally, the plan would maintain two direct promotion spots from the EuroCup each season.
The major economic impact would come through entry fees, which could range between €50 and €90 million per new franchise, depending on the market and its historical relationship with the competition. This first expansion could generate over €400 million, an amount that would be distributed exclusively among the 13 original shareholder clubs. Each would receive more than €30 million.
The new franchises, according to Eurohoops, would have voting rights in ECA bodies and access to the market pool, though they would be excluded from the initial distribution generated by entry fees.
The change is part of a broader roadmap to increase the overall value of EuroLeague. A JB Capital report places the combined value of the league and its licensed teams above €3.2 billion, with a projection that could raise the ecosystem to €4.3 billion by the 2026/27 season.