EuroLeague: Plans for expansion to 22 teams and new format
Important changes seem to be under consideration in the future of the EuroLeague, as the organizing authority of the leading European basketball league is studying the expansion of the competition as well as the modification of the way it is conducted.
According to information from international media, one of the main scenarios on the table concerns the increase of teams from 20 to 22, which could be accompanied by a new competition model by dividing the clubs into two regions.
The possible entry of the NBA into the European basketball market seems to accelerate developments, with the EuroLeague seeking to strengthen its product and adapt to the new conditions.
The scenario of the two regions
One of the most prevalent scenarios concerns the creation of two regions (conferences), similar to the model applied in the NBA. Initially, the possibility of separation into East and West was considered, however the geopolitical situation and the movements of the groups have led to the discussion of other solutions.
According to BasketNews, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Fenerbahce and Anadolu Efes are among the clubs actively participating in the discussions for the new format of the competition.
The most likely scenario envisages separation by geographical criteria. In such a case, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos could be placed in the Western Region alongside the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Baskonia, Valencia, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, Villeurbanne and Virtus Bologna.
The Eastern Region would feature teams such as Partizan, Red Star, Anadolu Efes, Fenerbahce, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Dubai BC.
A less likely scenario involves the creation of the regions through a draw, however in this case geographical criteria or historical rivalries between clubs would not be taken into account.
How the new race system will work
Based on the proposed model, teams will play double-headers (home and away) against opponents from the same region. At the same time, they will face the teams from the other region in a match, creating a balanced schedule of matches.
Regarding the score, two different models are considered. The first provides a uniform score for all teams in the competition, while the second proposes a separate ranking for each region, similar to the system applied in the EuroCup.
PAOK and the EuroLeague dream
Along with the planned changes, several teams are interested in securing a place in the new EuroLeague era. Among them is PAOK, which seeks to return to the top European competition.
According to what has become known, the organizing authority has made it clear that one of the main ways to enter the EuroLeague is to win the EuroCup. This means that PAOK will first have to achieve distinction in the second regular tournament of EuroLeague Basketball.
Although the task is difficult, the Thessalonians are already considering their participation in the EuroCup of the 2026-27 season, with the aim of taking the next step towards the elite of European basketball.
The new model and the cost of participation
The EuroLeague is also considering moving to a franchise system, in which new teams would have to pay a significant amount to gain a permanent place in the competition.
According to estimates by financial analysts, the value of such a stake could range between 40 and 75 million euros, while the total value of the licenses of the current shareholders is estimated between 50 and 200 million euros.
The goal is 24 teams by 2029
The strategic direction of the EuroLeague seems to be clear: gradual expansion of the organization and increase of teams in the coming years.
According to the scenarios considered, the league could even reach 24 teams by 2029, creating a new, more competitive and commercially strong model for European basketball.
At the moment, however, all discussions are at an early stage and final decisions are expected after a series of meetings of shareholders and organizers in the coming months.
*Text edited by Stelios Eliodorou
