EuroLeague, three Italian clubs among 11 candidates for new franchises

A total of 11 clubs have submitted EuroLeague franchise proposals worth nearly €700 million in affiliation fees, ahead of the planned expansion beginning with the 2027-28 season. The candidates include three Italian clubs: Virtus Bologna, Napoli Basketball and Maxima Roma.

The complete list, initially reported by Eurohoops and now confirmed by Alessandro Luigi Maggi, features Crvena Zvezda, Partizan Belgrade, Dubai Basketball, Valencia, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Paris Basketball, Virtus Bologna, Maxima Roma, Napoli Basketball, PAOK and London Lions.

EuroLeague has stated that up to eight of the 11 candidates could receive long-term licenses and join the 13 current shareholders. The goal is to have 21 franchises in a 24-team competition from the 2027-28 season, with a final decision expected by the end of September.

The situation in Rome is particularly noteworthy. Paul Matiasic’s Maxima Roma pursuing a EuroLeague franchise could leave the NBA Europe path open for BC Roma SPQR. The overall picture remains complex, however, as a potential partnership between the NBA and EuroLeague Basketball has not yet been definitively ruled out.