A critical shareholders board meeting of EuroLeague Basketball concluded late Monday night in Barcelona, after nearly ten hours of debate centered around the growing influence of the NBA Europe project. The session, which began at 3:00 p.m., featured a remote presentation by FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa.
Despite international media reports suggesting unity, the reality is far more complex. Out of 13 shareholders, only seven have formally reaffirmed their commitment to EuroLeague after the meeting, exposing deep divisions within the league in the face of NBA’s European ambitions.
Fenerbahçe and Panathinaikos were among the few to fully back EuroLeague’s current model. Panathinaikos’ stance is particularly notable, given the Greek club’s long-standing criticism of EuroLeague governance, once likening it to a “mafia-like” structure.
Conversely, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have withheld any firm commitment. Their current 10-year licenses expire in 2026, and both clubs—according to earlier reports by Sportando and ROM—are believed to be primary targets for the NBA’s European expansion. Barcelona could follow Madrid’s lead if the shift toward NBA Europe materializes.
As BasketNews reports, Olimpia Milano and ASVEL Villeurbanne have also requested more time to complete internal evaluations before declaring their future intentions. Notably, ASVEL, owned by Tony Parker, has confirmed ongoing dialogue with NBA Europe, although it has restated a current preference to remain in the EuroLeague.
The meeting also addressed a potential expansion to 20 teams (from the current 18) and the introduction of new three-year licenses. A key point of negotiation remains the proposed investment from BC Partners, a UK-based private equity firm. While the fund presented its strategic vision to shareholders, it made clear it would only proceed if at least 11 clubs commit formally to the league’s long-term structure. The exact percentage of league equity under negotiation remains confidential.
In this volatile period for European basketball, EuroLeague seeks a united response to what is either a threat or an opportunity—NBA Europe. But for now, that unity simply isn’t there.
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