AKTUELLE NACHRICHTEN

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary decision pertaining to incidents that occurred between Rounds 2 and 4 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season.

Latest disciplinary sanctions

**Round 4**

- Mr. Josean Querejeta, President of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, has been sanctioned with a fine of €8,000 for committing acts representing a lack of respect against the officiating crew on occasion of the game Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz – Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, under Article 27.2.b) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.

 **Round 3**

- Mr. Ettore Messina, Head Coach of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, has been sanctioned with a fine of €5,000 for statements regarding officiating on occasion of the game EA7 Emporio Armani Milan – AS Monaco, under Article 24.2.c) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.

**Round 2**

- Mr. Shane Larkin, Player of Anadolu Efes Istanbul, has been sanctioned with a fine of €5,000 for statements regarding officiating related to the game Anadolu Efes Istanbul – Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv, under Article 24.2.c) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.
- Mr. Jerian Grant, Player of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, has been sanctioned with a fine of €5,000 for statements regarding officiating related to the game Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens – FC Barcelona, under Article 24.2.c) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.

EuroLeague Basketball is proud to announce a new broadcast agreement with la chaine L’Équipe, which will bring a selection of the EuroLeague games on a free-to-air basis to all the French fanbase.

La chaine L’Équipe to broadcast the EuroLeague free-to-air in France

- L’Equipe to start airing games on November 6

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce a new broadcast agreement with la chaine L’Équipe, which will bring a selection of the EuroLeague games on a free-to-air basis to all the French fanbase.

As part of this agreement, secured by Euroleague Basketball’s strategic partner IMG, la chaine L’Équipe will air a selection of Regular Season, Playoffs, and Final Four games throughout the 2025–26 season, featuring matchups involving [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) and [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/asv/) among others.

This partnership ensures that fans across France can enjoy the best of European basketball on free-to-air television, reaffirming Euroleague Basketball’s commitment to bringing the game closer to its supporters in one of Europe’s most passionate sports markets. The EuroLeague fanbase in France has seen remarkable growth over the past four seasons, increasing by more than 70%, with particularly strong engagement among the Gen Z audience.

"We are thrilled to welcome back la chaine L’Équipe as our broadcast partner in France," said Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Euroleague Basketball’s Chief Marketing and Communication Officer. "With a growing basketball community in France, providing our games free-to-air ensures that French fans can experience the passion, excitement, and excellence that define the EuroLeague."

Commentary for the broadcasts will be provided by Benoît Cosset and Erwan Abautret, joined by former EuroLeague player Paul Lacombe, who will bring his firsthand experience and insight from his career, including multiple EuroLeague seasons with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and Sig Strasbourg.

Céline Chanat, Director of Content and Broadcasting for the TV division of la chaine L’Équipe Group: "We are delighted to announce the return of the EuroLeague on la chaine L’Équipe. This acquisition reflects our commitment to strengthening our premium rights offering with a top-tier competition that enriches our basketball programming. Bringing the EuroLeague to our audience allows viewers to witness the achievements of the greatest French and European clubs and follow a prestigious and unmissable competition for all basketball enthusiasts."

The deal marks a significant step in EuroLeague Basketball’s strategy to expand its reach and accessibility across Europe, making top-tier basketball available to wider audiences and inspiring the next generation of fans and players in France.

La chaîne L’Équipe has become an official rights holder in France, providing basketball fans with broader access to top-tier European basketball. with SKWEEK, which will continue to broadcast all EuroLeague games, and TV MONACO, which will maintain free-to-air coverage of all AS Monaco matches.

Find below the selection of games available to watch on la chaine L’Équipe in the remainder of 2025:

- ROUND 9: November 6, 2025 – Paris Basketball vs. FC Bayern Munich
- ROUND 10: November 11, 2025 – Paris Basketball vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens
- ROUND 15: December 11, 2025 – Paris Basketball vs. Zalgiris Kaunas
- ROUND 16: December 16, 2025 – Paris Basketball vs. FC Barcelona
- ROUND 17: December 18, 2025 – Real Madrid vs. Paris Basketball
- ROUND 18: December 23, 2025 – LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul
- ROUND 19: December 30, 2025 – LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Paris Basketball

Euroleague Basketball and adidas today announced the renewal of their long-standing partnership for the next four seasons, through the 2028–29 campaign. Building on more than a decade of collaboration since first joining forces in 2014, the renewed agreement highlights adidas’ position as a driving force in European basketball and deepens its commitment to shaping the sport’s future across both professional and grassroots levels.

adidas and Euroleague Basketball renew partnership to empower the next generation of talent

Euroleague Basketball and adidas today announced the renewal of their long-standing partnership for the next four seasons, through the 2028–29 campaign. Building on more than a decade of collaboration since first joining forces in 2014, the renewed agreement highlights adidas’ position as a driving force in European basketball and deepens its commitment to shaping the sport’s future across both professional and grassroots levels.

As the naming partner of the [adidas NextGen EuroLeague](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/), adidas will continue to play a pivotal role in developing Europe’s rising stars, reinforcing a shared vision with Euroleague Basketball to grow the game from the grassroots up. The competition has become the benchmark for showcasing future talent, perfectly aligned with adidas’ dedication to creating opportunities for the next generation of players. Since 2022, adidas has further elevated its presence by introducing adidas-branded teams at each Qualifier, bringing together some of the most promising prospects from across Europe.

"adidas has been a fundamental partner in growing Euroleague Basketball for more than a decade, and together we have elevated both the professional and grassroots levels of basketball," said Gawain Davies, Euroleague Basketball Chief Commercial Officer. "Their commitment to youth development through the adidas NextGen EuroLeague competition, together with their support across the EuroLeague, makes this collaboration unique. We are excited to continue this journey with adidas through the 2028–29 season."

“At adidas, we believe the future of basketball belongs to the next generation,” said Cameron Mason, Senior Director of Sports Marketing Basketball at adidas. “Our partnership with Euroleague allows us to not only invest in young athletes but also celebrate the culture and rivalries that make the game so powerful. Together, we are creating moments that inspire players and fans alike across Europe.”

Beyond youth development, the renewed agreement will also spotlight initiatives that bring fans closer to the game, including the **Rivalry Series**, which elevates one key EuroLeague fixture each round by celebrating historic clashes and defining moments of the season across social, digital, and broadcast platforms, and continued adidas support of the **EuroLeague Final Four**, the pinnacle event of European club basketball.

Together, Euroleague Basketball and adidas reaffirm their shared commitment to growing the game from the grassroots up, inspiring the next generation of talent and amplifying the energy of European basketball culture.

A meeting between Euroleague Basketball management, EuroLeague clubs, NBA management, and FIBA leadership took place on October 8, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. This was the second meeting held between the parties in recent months, following the joint announcement by the NBA and FIBA to explore the potential creation of “NBA Europe,” a new international club competition. At the previous meeting, Euroleague Basketball presented a proposal for a collaboration framework that, to date, has not received any meaningful response. 

Update on recent NBA-FIBA-EuroLeague meetings

A meeting between Euroleague Basketball management, EuroLeague clubs, NBA management, and FIBA leadership took place on October 8, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. This was the second meeting held between the parties in recent months, following the joint announcement by the NBA and FIBA to explore the potential creation of “NBA Europe,” a new international club competition. At the previous meeting, Euroleague Basketball presented a proposal for a collaboration framework that, to date, has not received any meaningful response. 

While the meeting concluded without any further details on the envisioned ‘NBA Europe’ project other than the publicly available information being shared, Euroleague Basketball extends its appreciation to the NBA for the constructive dialogue and to FIBA for promoting and hosting the meetings, as well as for its ongoing efforts to identify a collaborative framework that benefits all parties involved. 

Representing its clubs, which met earlier this week in Barcelona to discuss and share their views on this matter, Euroleague Basketball reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement in these discussions, emphasizing that any potential framework for cooperation must respect the following core principles: 

1\. Shared Benefit: Any proposal must bring value to all stakeholders and to European basketball as a whole, without marginalizing the organizations and individuals who have built today’s elite club basketball structure. 

2\. Cultural Integrity: The traditions, fan bases, and unique identity of European basketball must be protected and preserved. 

3\. Competitive Excellence: Any initiative should aim to maintain and enhance the high competitive standards of European basketball. 

4\. European Governance: Decision-making authority must remain in Europe to ensure that the interests of European basketball take precedence. 

Euroleague Basketball and its clubs remain committed to engaging in constructive discussions with the NBA and FIBA, provided these fundamental principles are upheld throughout the process.

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary decision pertaining to incidents that occurred in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 34 and Play-In Showdown Game B.

**Round 2**

- Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade has been sanctioned with a fine of €13,000, for the throwing of objects on to the playing court during the game Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade– EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, under Article 29.2.g) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code
- Mr Radovan Trifunovic, assistant coach of Anadolu Efes Istanbul has been sanctioned with a fine of €2,500, for committing acts representing a lack of respect against the officiating crew on occasion of the game Anadolu Efes Istanbul – Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv, under Article 27.2.b) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary decision pertaining to incidents that occurred in the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season Round 2.

Euroleague Basketball and talkSPORT, the home of live sport and livelier opinion across the UK and beyond, have announced an agreement to stream London Lions’ games in the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season on its official YouTube channel. The deal was secured by Euroleague Basketball’s strategic partner IMG.

talkSPORT to stream London Lions’ BKT EuroCup games in the UK

Euroleague Basketball and talkSPORT, the home of live sport and livelier opinion across the UK and beyond, have announced an agreement to stream London Lions’ games in the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season on its official [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@talkSPORT/featured). The deal was secured by Euroleague Basketball’s strategic partner IMG.

Beginning this October, talkSPORT will broadcast every London Lions EuroCup game live and free-to-air via its official [YouTube channel](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.com%2Fv3%2F__https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40talkSPORT%2Ffeatured__%3B!!F0Stn7g!Gk_0yE1hOPVuhPYKB5ADQszOXfzdCn3mCANReyO3LaJoDCITdkBY9GnJpKo5P_ddyUVTgdThX5iwTT335_ATm3ywjiAoIDgujMg9%24&data=05%7C02%7Cdiego.fernandez%40euroleague.net%7C291b604622324978a17b08de04bd26be%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638953408050194135%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cDX6jMUK5h4jhFRgEo%2Fz45Y7KHV%2BkkytpBYumbHDlT4%3D&reserved=0), bringing top-level European basketball to fans across the UK at no cost. 

“Bringing London Lions games to a free-to-air platform together with talkSPORT is a significant milestone in Euroleague Basketball’s commitment to expanding the sport in the UK. With talkSPORT’s powerful reach and engaged fanbase, we are confident more British fans will connect with the excitement of the BKT EuroCup.” stated Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Euroleague Basketball Chief Marketing and Communication Officer. 

Liam Fisher, Head of talkSPORT, says: “We’re committed to bringing the talkSPORT audience the best content across our audio and video platforms, and basketball is no exception. We’re delighted to be bringing all London Lions’ games to our audience this season.” 

The agreement marks a major step in Euroleague Basketball’s mission to grow its audience in the UK, one of Europe’s most dynamic sports markets. With the London Lions representing the capital in Europe’s second-tier competition, fans will have unprecedented access to follow the team’s journey against some of the continent’s best clubs. 

The partnership highlights a shared commitment to widening basketball’s footprint in the UK, building visibility for both the London Lions and the BKT EuroCup competition, and offering fans a new, accessible way to experience the game.

Games will be live on talkSPORT’s official YouTube channel and free-to-air

Euroleague Basketball has announced several rule changes and clarifications that will be in place for the 2025–26 EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup seasons. The updates focus on improving game flow, player safety, and officiating consistency.

Euroleague Basketball announces rule updates for 2025-26 season

Euroleague Basketball has announced [several rule changes and clarifications](https://media-cdn.cortextech.io/73b047b1-ed8b-45ca-9d19-21ab3508cd3a.pdf) that will be in place for the 2025–26 EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup seasons. The updates focus on improving game flow, player safety, and officiating consistency.

### Rules changes and clarifications

- Referees will no longer issue warnings before calling technical fouls for inappropriate behavior or faking/flopping. Warnings will continue for delay of game situations, waving a hand near a shooter’s eyes, and distracting a shooter with loud shouts, stamping, or clapping close to their vision.
- Coaches will be automatically disqualified if they or any registred team member sitting on the bench enter the court during a fastbreak situation. If a coach or bench member disrupts an opponent’s fastbreak by running the sideline or protesting excessively, referees will issue a technical foul once the play has ended.

EuroLeage Basketball Announces rule updates for 2025-26 season | Inside the Whistle

### Instant Replay System

- Euroleague Basketball is also introducing new situations in which the IRS may be used. Eight-second violations can now be reviewed by referees in the final 2 minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime if a violation has been whistled. Coaches may challenge these at any point in the game provided that an 8-second violation has been called.
- Foul identity reviews are now allowed by referees. Referees can check the IRS to confirm the correct player who committed a foul if there is a potential recording error, at any moment during the game. Foul identity reviews cannot be challenged by coaches.

 EuroLeague Basketball reviews, clarifies, and adapts specific rules each season, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the highest standards for players, coaches, and referees, while continuing to deliver the most competitive and fairest competition to its fans.

Euroleague Basketball successfully hosted its 26th Pre-Season Clinic for Officials at The Met Hotel in Thessaloniki, gathering referees, coaches, and league representatives for four days of high-level training and preparation

Euroleague Basketball officials get together for pre-season clinic in Thessaloniki

Euroleague Basketball successfully hosted its 26th Pre-Season Clinic for Officials at The Met Hotel in Thessaloniki, gathering referees, coaches, and league representatives for four days of high-level training and preparation.

This year’s clinic brought together 70 referees, including 5 newcomers — Arnau Padrós (Spain), Ioannis Tiganis (Greece), Can Mavisu (Turkey), Kerem Baki (Turkey), and Franko Gracin (Croatia) — alongside 15 referee coaches. Among them was Carmelo Paternico (Italy), who finished his career as a Euroleague Basketball referee last season and joined the EB Referee Coaches list for 2025–26.

Euroleague Basketball successfully hosted its 26th Pre-Season Clinic for Officials at The Met Hotel in Thessaloniki, gathering referees, coaches, and league representatives for four days of high-level training and preparation.

Euroleague Basketball officials' pre-season clinic in Thessaloniki

The event was attended by prominent figures including Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga, former Senior Director and Officiating Scouting & Recruitment Supervisor Costas Rigas, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan head coach Ettore Messina, EuroLeague Head Coaches Board President Dimitris Itoudis, Executive Director Goran Sasic, EuroLeague Players’ Association Operations Manager Anze Blazic, Officiating Sports Psychologist Mar Rovira, Officiating Physical Conditioning & Training Coach Gianluca Mazzoncini, and Sportradar Head of Integrity Education Andrew Whittingham.

Under the leadership of Daniel Hierrezuelo, in his third clinic as Director of Officiating, participants reviewed the latest rule interpretations, IRS protocols, and officiating mechanics, complemented by fitness testing, integrity sessions, video analysis, and teamwork workshops. Breakout sessions focused on topics including travelling, illegal contact, screens, faking, and teamwork psychology.

The clinic closed on Sunday with a presentation by Costas Rigas and final remarks from Hierrezuelo, followed by optional IRS practice sessions.

The clinic once again reaffirmed Euroleague Basketball’s commitment to developing officiating standards and ensuring referees are fully prepared for the new season.

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce the appointment of Marta Alvarez Escude as its new Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Marta will lead the organization’s digital strategy, with a focus on fan engagement, data-driven innovation and the evolution of Euroleague Basketball’s digital platforms worldwide.

Euroleague Basketball Appoints Former Amazon Executive as Chief Digital Officer

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce the appointment of Marta Alvarez Escude as its new Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Marta will lead the organization’s digital strategy, with a focus on fan engagement, data-driven innovation and the evolution of Euroleague Basketball’s digital platforms worldwide.

Beyond the digital sphere, Marta will play a key role in strengthening the business side of the league, leveraging technology and data to unlock new revenue opportunities, enhance commercial initiatives, and deliver added value for partners and stakeholders.

Marta brings over 15 years of expertise at the crossroads of technology, e-commerce, and digital transformation. At Amazon, she helped design and scale customer-focused digital initiatives, gaining deep knowledge of global online platforms. At Stuart, she led the Iberian operations of Europe’s leading last-mile logistics platform, a pivotal sector amid the rapid growth of e-commerce. At Affinity Petcare, she drove transformation projects that enhanced brand engagement and unlocked new digital channels to connect with consumers across international markets. Most recently, as Director for Southern Europe at Nextdoor, she expanded market presence and nurtured vibrant local communities, further honing her ability to scale digital ecosystems with impact.  

“Marta’s blend of corporate experience and entrepreneurial leadership makes her the ideal person to accelerate our digital journey." stated Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO. "She has a proven record of building innovative platforms that put the user at the center, and we are excited to see her bring that vision to millions of basketball fans worldwide.”

Alongside her corporate achievements, Marta has been an active leader in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. As H2 Chapter Director in Barcelona, she has built bridges between global tech leaders and local innovators, mentoring founders and advancing conversations around growth, digital disruption, and the future of technology. Marta holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a Master’s degree in Engineering from the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya.

“Basketball has a unique power to connect communities, and I am thrilled to join Euroleague Basketball to help expand that connection through digital innovation. My goal is to create richer, more personalized experiences for our fans and partners, leveraging technology to bring the excitement of the game closer than ever,” stated Marta Alvarez.

In her new role, Marta will oversee the development of Euroleague Basketball’s digital platforms, drive fan data and engagement initiatives, build strategic partnerships  with leading technology companies and identify commercial opportunities in the digital ecosystem. She will also serve as a member of the Euroleague Basketball Executive Committee, contributing to the organization’s overall strategic direction and innovation agenda.

Marta’s appointment comes at a time of remarkable growth for Euroleague Basketball’s digital and technology ecosystem. [Euroleague.TV](http://Euroleague.TV) recorded a 32% increase in subscribers last season, the Fantasy Challenge reached a historic milestone of 310,000 users (+67%) and 550,000 teams (+79%), establishing itself as Europe’s leading basketball fantasy game, and the digital media ecosystem attracted 4.72 billion online viewers in clubs ‘local markets (+6%).

Marta Alvarez to lead the organization’s Digital and Technology Strategy

Euroleague Basketball and SPORT24, Greece’s leading digital sports media platform and part of 24MEDIA, are proud to announce a new official media partnership covering the next two seasons. As part of this collaboration, SPORT24 becomes the Official Premium Media Partner of Euroleague Basketball in Greece, delivering basketball fans unparalleled access to Europe’s premier competitions.

Euroleague Basketball and SPORT24 Announce Official Media Partnership in Greece

Euroleague Basketball and SPORT24, Greece’s leading digital sports media platform and part of 24MEDIA, are proud to announce a new official media partnership covering the next two seasons. As part of this collaboration, SPORT24 becomes the Official Premium Media Partner of Euroleague Basketball in Greece, delivering basketball fans unparalleled access to Europe’s premier competitions.

Through a dedicated Euroleague Basketball section on SPORT24, fans will enjoy extensive coverage of both the EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup, including news, reports, statistics, live scores, interviews with players and coaches, behind-the-scenes stories, premium video highlights and exclusive fan engagement initiatives.

"We are delighted to join forces with SPORT24, Greece’s leading digital sports platform, to bring Euroleague Basketball even closer to its passionate fanbase in the country. This partnership ensures that Greek fans will enjoy premium coverage of both the EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup, at a time when excitement is higher than ever with the competition returning to Athens for the Final Four. Together, we look forward to celebrating the game and sharing unforgettable basketball moments with millions of fans across Greece," stated Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Euroleague Basketball Chief Marketing and Communication Officer.

"We, at 24MEDIA and SPORT24, are proud to join forces with Euroleague Basketball with the sole goal to help make basketball bigger in Europe. As we remain committed to always promote the positive side of the sport, we are ready to provide the best possible coverage of Europe’s top league to the Greek audience, one of the most passionate fanbases in the whole world," Stated Pantelis Vlachopoulos, SPORT24 Editorial Director.

The partnership begins in an expanded season featuring 20 teams competing throughout the Regular Season and culminating in May with the EuroLeague Final Four. The event will mark a historic moment, as the Final Four returns to Athens for the first time in nearly 20 years.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways have officially become main sponsors of Euroleague Basketball for the next four years, an integrated collaboration that sets a new precedent in European sports. This landmark strategic alliance reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing stature in global sport and marks a defining moment in Euroleague Basketball’s commercial evolution, connecting the emirate with the competition’s passionate global fanbase of 90 million supporters.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways Become Main Partners of Euroleague Basketball, Marking a Pivotal Sponsorship Milestone

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways have officially become main sponsors of Euroleague Basketball for the next four years, an integrated collaboration that sets a new precedent in European sports. This landmark strategic alliance reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing stature in global sport and marks a defining moment in Euroleague Basketball’s commercial evolution, connecting the emirate with the competition’s passionate global fanbase of 90 million supporters.

Under the agreement, Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand of DCT Abu Dhabi, and Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, are officially designated as Euroleague competitions’ Main Partners and Final Four Presenting Partner. Experience Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways branding will be prominently featured across Euroleague and BKT EuroCup games, including in-arena signage, live broadcasts and jersey integration across all Euroleague participating teams. Over the four-year period, the Experience Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways logos will rotate across Euroleague team jerseys, ensuring balanced exposure.

The partnership also extends into the digital sphere, featuring extensive brand integration on Euroleague Basketball’s platforms and exclusive co-created content. Fans can also expect a slate of innovative activations aimed at deepening engagement, expanding the competitions’ global reach, and bringing audiences closer to the game.

H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "This strategic partnership with Euroleague Basketball and Etihad Airways marks as significant step forward in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s presence on the global stage and reinforcing its position as a vibrant hub for basketball fans around the world., The impact of sport extends far beyond the court it drives economic growth by boosting tourism, attracting investment, and enhancing infrastructure for major events. This partnership stands as a key pillar of our Tourism Strategy 2030 – driving visitor growth, supporting economic diversification, and solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a preferred global destination for tourism, culture, and sport."

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: "Euroleague represents the pinnacle of European basketball, and we're excited to support this incredible sporting spectacle alongside our valued partner DCT Abu Dhabi. Through our network, we bring people to Abu Dhabi from across the globe, and this partnership allows us to reach new audiences who share our belief that the best experiences happen when you venture beyond borders."

Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO, said: "We are delighted to announce these partnerships, which embody our ambition to grow the game of basketball and foster meaningful global connections through sport. With Experience Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways joining us, we look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for our fans while further strengthening the league’s international presence."

The 2025–26 EuroLeague season will mark another milestone, as the competition expands to 20 teams — welcoming newcomers Dubai Basketball — with the Regular Season tipping off on 30 September. The season will culminate with the prestigious Final Four in Athens, Greece, from 22–24 May 2026.

A strategic agreement that reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global sports hub and supports the growth and development of the Euroleague into a new era.


The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways Become Main Partners of Euroleague Basketball

The Assembly of Syndicated Shareholders of Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) convened today to lay the foundation for the 2025–26 basketball season. Members reviewed the season’s By-Laws and took several key decisions, outlined below.

2025–26 EuroLeague and EuroCup season teams and calendar confirmed

The Assembly of Syndicated Shareholders of Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) convened today to lay the foundation for the 2025–26 basketball season. Members reviewed the season’s By-Laws and took several key decisions, outlined below.

**Expansion and Participating Teams**

Following [the Board’s approval to expand the EuroLeague to 20 teams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/news/euroleague-commercial-assets-board-addresses-strategic-developments-for-the-future-of-the-competitions/) starting with the 2025–26 season, the Assembly approved the official list of participating clubs for both the EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup.

**EuroLeague Teams (Alphabetical Order):**

Anadolu Efes Istanbul, AS Monaco, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, Dubai Basketball, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, FC Barcelona, FC Bayern Munich, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Olympiacos Piraeus, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, Paris Basketball, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, Real Madrid, Valencia Basket, Virtus Segafredo Bologna, and Zalgiris Kaunas.

AS Monaco and Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv earned their EuroLeague spots through EuroCup qualification rules.

**Long-Term Wildcards**

The Assembly approved the allocation of long-term wildcards to the following clubs:

- **Three-year duration:** Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, Valencia Basket, Virtus Segafredo Bologna
- **Five-year duration:** Dubai Basketball

These wildcards aim to ensure the League’s long-term sustainability and support its strategic expansion to 20 teams. By fostering stability for participating clubs, the League reinforces its commitment to developing long-term projects across both established and emerging markets.

Additionally, it was agreed to continue conversations with Paris Basketball around a potential long-term collaboration.

**BKT EuroCup Teams (Alphabetical Order):** 

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, Aris Midea Thessaloniki, Bahcesehir College Istanbul, BAXI Manresa, Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse, Dolomiti Energia Trento, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem, London Lions,  Neptunas Klaipeda, NINERS Chemnitz, Panionios Athens, ratiopharm Ulm, Slask Wroclaw, Turk Telekom Ankara, U-BT Cluj-Napoca, Umana Reyer Venice, Veolia Towers Hamburg. 

**2025–26 Season Calendar**

The Assembly of Syndicated Shareholders has officially approved the competitive calendar for the 2025–26 season. The EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup will tip off on September 30, 2025, with champions to be crowned on April 28 or May 1, 2026 for the EuroCup and on May 24, 2026 for the EuroLeague.

As part of the EuroLeague’s expansion to 20 teams, the Regular Season will increase from 34 to 38 rounds, offering fans even more high-level basketball throughout the year. The season will open with an action-packed double-Round week, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling campaign.

Additionally, games during November FIBA Qualifiers (windows) will be moved to Tuesday and Wednesday, in order to facilitate the availability of players to their National Teams.

Download the season calendar [HERE](https://euroleaguenet-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/diego_fernandez_euroleague_net/EavhRGDQio9FuFL_qLr7dRYBMlZ7PNrB0hwP_8FvfteIiw?e=bzuYAP).

**2026 and 2027 Final Four**

The Assembly reviewed the ongoing process for awarding hosting rights for the 2026 and 2027 EuroLeague Final Four editions. Discussions with candidate cities are progressing, with final decisions expected soon.

As part of the updated EuroLeague By-Laws, the Third-Place Game will be removed starting with the 2025–26 Final Four, which will now feature the two semifinals and the championship game.

**Competitive Balance Standards (CBS) Updates**

In preparation for the 20-team format, and to adapt the existing regulations to the expanded league ECA shareholders approved several enhancements to the Competitive Balance Standards, forming part of the broader Financial Stability and Fair Play framework. The CBS will be in force starting the 2025-26 season and will be progressively implemented, culminating in a full implementation by the 2027-28 season:

Key updates include:

**Base Remuneration Level (BRL):** Minimum set at €10 million net, up from €8 million net, applicable unless 40% of the Average Licensed Clubs Defined Revenues (ALCDR) falls above this threshold.

**Anchor Player Exception:** Clubs will now be permitted up to three designated anchor players under the BRL framework, increased from two.

**Transitional Financial Compensation Cap:** For the 2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons only, clubs exceeding the BRL will face a financial maximum compensation cap of 10% of their total net player remuneration for the relevant season.

**Extended Tenure Player Exception:** Deduction rate increased from 25% to 50%.

These changes aim to ensure financial sustainability, promote fair play, and maintain competitive balance as the EuroLeague continues its growth and evolution.

The existing regulations announced on September 16, 2024, prior to the approved enhancements, can be found [HERE](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/news/euroleague-basketball-introduces-competitive-balance-standards-for-2025-26-season/).

All decisions taken at the Assembly will be submitted to the ECA General Assembly for final approval on July 3, 2025.

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