EuroLeague Nears Historic Franchise Decisions as Six Clubs Compete for Licenses
Valencia, Paris, and Dubai emerge as front-runners while perennial Serbian clubs face mounting hurdles in securing long-term status.
The EuroLeague is undergoing a massive transformation as management and club co-owners prepare to distribute the first set of long-anticipated franchise licenses. With the process moving swiftly through November, stakeholders are evaluating a competitive field of candidates to reshape the elite European basketball competition.
Initially, Spanish media outlet Encestando reported in mid-October that Valencia, Paris, Dubai, and Thessaloniki's PAOK were positioned to secure the coveted franchise status. However, updated proposals presented by the EuroLeague to its co-owners introduced a revised list featuring Valencia, Paris, and Dubai, alongside Hapoel Tel Aviv and a surprising entry associated with Rome.
Following the presentation of the league's preferred candidates, the co-owners reviewed the shortlist and reintroduced PAOK into the mix. Reports indicate that the Greek club was prepared to invest between 120 million and 150 million euros to secure its place in the elite tier.
While initial media reports suggested that four franchise licenses would be distributed in this initial phase, the final number of licenses issued could vary. Current unofficial assessments place Valencia, Paris, and Dubai as the strongest contenders, leaving Rome, PAOK, and Hapoel to vie for the remaining spot.
Meanwhile, major Serbian clubs Partizan Mozzart Bet and Crvena Zvezda find themselves temporarily out of the primary running for franchise status. Although both Belgrade teams were previously considered favorites—with discussions hinting at a 50 million euro entry fee and Crvena Zvezda even providing banking guarantees—circumstances have shifted.
Despite receiving support from several co-owners during the selection discussions, the Serbian powerhouses were ultimately outranked by other applicants. Observers note that current socio-political factors and their continued reliance on state-backed funding have complicated their bids, though both clubs hope for a different outcome in upcoming allocation rounds.
The final decisions regarding which organizations will obtain official EuroLeague franchise status are expected to be announced in the coming days, marking a monumental shift in the governance and structure of European club basketball.