EuroLeague’s 24-team expansion moves closer as NBA Europe agreement appears unlikely

EuroLeague is accelerating toward its proposed 24-team format for the 2027-28 season, featuring two groups of 12. Eight permanent licenses, reportedly costing around €80 million each, are expected to be awarded by the end of September and added to the 13 existing shareholder clubs.

The field has been reduced from more than 20 candidates to 11, including Virtus Bologna, Napoli Basket and Maxima Roma. BC Roma, Monaco, Besiktas and Hapoel Jerusalem reportedly expressed interest without submitting formal bids. Talks with NBA Europe remain open, but La Prealpina writes that “the chances of an agreement now appear nonexistent.”

Olimpia Milano remains firmly committed to EuroLeague, with the 13 shareholders set to share the revenue generated by the franchise sales. Varese, through the path developed by Luis Scola and RedBird, could instead have a clear route toward NBA Europe. Among current EuroLeague clubs, ASVEL may be the only one considering a switch, potentially under the control of the Buss family.