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Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four will take place in Athens, Greece, returning the prestigious event to one of basketball’s most storied destinations.

Athens to host 2026 EuroLeague Final Four 

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four will take place in Athens, Greece, returning the prestigious event to one of basketball’s most storied destinations.

The 2026 EuroLeague Final Four will be held at the Telekom Center Athens, a venue with a capacity of over 18,000 spectators. Originally built in 1994 and extensively renovated for the 2004 Olympic Games, Telekom Center Athens has since hosted countless legendary basketball moments. The semifinals will take place on May 22, followed by the Championship Game on May 24.

This will mark the second time the Greek capital hosts the Final Four, the first being in 2007. Nearly two decades later, the EuroLeague's showcase event returns to the iconic venue, reaffirming Athens’ status as a cornerstone of European basketball.

“Athens is a city with a deep basketball heritage and one of the most passionate fan bases in Europe. We are thrilled to return in 2026 to Athens, a city that has hosted some of the most unforgettable moments in EuroLeague history," said Dejan Bodiroga, President of Euroleague Basketball. “Greece remains a key market for Euroleague Basketball, with two top-level clubs competing annually, an incredibly devoted fan community, and strong appeal as a global tourist destination. Bringing the Final Four back to Athens is a natural decision, one we are confident will deliver another spectacular event.”

"The return of the Final Four to Athens reflects the strong commitment we continue to build with our traditional markets" said Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO. “The city’s commitment to basketball, combined with its rich history and the passion of Greek fans, makes it an ideal stage for our biggest event. I would like to thank the Greek Government and the Ministry of Sports for their confidence in Euroleague Basketball. Their support and commitment have been instrumental in bringing the Final Four back to Athens after nearly two decades. With their continued backing, we are confident that we will once again deliver an unforgettable event.”

Hosting the Final Four again in Athens highlights Euroleague Basketball’s focus on delivering world-class live experiences for fans while strengthening the competition’s global profile.

EuroLeague Final Four to be played at Telekom Center Athens for the second time

Euroleague Basketball has approved alternative venues for Israeli teams to play their 2025-26 home games as per the impossibility of hosting games in Israel, due to the current situation.

Euroleague Basketball approves potential alternative venues for Israeli teams' home games

Euroleague Basketball has approved alternative venues for Israeli teams to play their 2025-26 home games as per the impossibility of hosting games in Israel, due to the current situation.

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv and Hapoel Bank Yahav Jersualem have proposed hosting all its home games in Serbia's capital, Belgrade. Maccabi will play at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall while Hapoel will host its home games at Ranko Zeravica Sports Hall.

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv have proposed playing their home games at Arena 8888 in Sofia, Bulgaria, with selected games played at Arena Botevgrad as per Arena 8888 unavailability.

The Israeli teams played their home games last two seasons at alternative venues due to security concerns derived from the ongoing armed conflict in the region, with the aim always being to ensure the safety and well-being of players, staff, and fans.

Euroleague Basketball will continue to monitor the evolution of the situation, while staying in contact with all related parties, and will announce any modifications regarding the above decisions in the case that the situation in the region returns to normal.

Euroleague Basketball has announced that the Round 1 and Round 2 games involving Anadolu Efes Istanbul have been relocated to Podgorica, Montenegro.

EuroLeague Round 1 and Round 2 Anadolu Efes games relocated to Podgorica

Euroleague Basketball has announced that the Round 1 and Round 2 games involving Anadolu Efes Istanbul have been relocated to Podgorica, Montenegro.

**Round 1:** Anadolu Efes Istanbul - Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv will be played on September 30 at 19:45 local time.

**Round 2:** Anadolu Efes Istanbul - Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv will be played on October 3 at 19:30 local time.

Both games will take place at MORACA in Podgorica, Montenegro. 

This decision has been taken considering Turkish and Israel government recommendations.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (2025-10-03T17:30:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (2025-09-30T17:45:00.000Z)

Euroleague Basketball joins the Italian and global basketball family in mourning Giorgio Armani, the legendary fashion designer and passionate basketball patron, who passed away on Monday at the age of 91.

Euroleague Basketball mourns Giorgio Armani

Armani purchased Olimpia Milano in 2008 from Giorgio Corbelli, becoming the club’s sole owner and ushering in a new golden era. Under his stewardship, the team reclaimed its place among Europe’s elite, capturing six Italian League crowns, four Italian Cups, and five Italian Supercups. In 2021, Olimpia Milano returned to the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time since 1992, a milestone achievement in the club’s modern history. Courtside seats in Milan and across the continent often featured Armani himself, a testament to his deep devotion to the game and his players.

 

“Giorgio Armani was a pioneer, a global cultural leader, and a true friend of our sport,” said Dejan Bodiroga, Euroleague Basketball President. “I am deeply grateful for his invaluable contribution and support to Euroleague Basketball, his passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but his legacy will inspire generations to come.”

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOLpsGcDEcY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Giorgio Armani (@giorgioarmani)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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Beyond basketball, Armani was a towering figure in global culture. He founded the Armani brand in 1975, revolutionizing the fashion industry and later expanding into entertainment, sport, and luxury hospitality. Known as the pioneer of red-carpet fashion, his influence extended far beyond the runway, shaping how generations experienced elegance and lifestyle. Among countless accolades, he was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2021, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

 

"Mr. Armani’s showed that basketball could stand proudly alongside art, fashion, and culture, enriching the game with values that transcended the court. We are profoundly grateful for everything he gave to European basketball" stated Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO.

 

Giorgio Armani will be remembered not only as one of the greatest designers of all time, but also as a generous supporter of sport, a visionary leader, and a proud ambassador of Italian excellence.

Euroleague Basketball has been recognized with two nominations at the 2025 Sports Business Awards, following a landmark season that blended innovation, storytelling, and celebration of the league’s 25th anniversary.

Euroleague Basketball receives two nominations at 2025 Sports Business Awards

Euroleague Basketball has been recognized with two nominations at the 2025 Sports Business Awards, following a landmark season that blended innovation, storytelling, and celebration of the league’s 25th anniversary.

Euroleague Basketball has been nominated for Best Sports Marketing Campaign – International for its season-long 25th anniversary campaign. Celebrating a quarter-century of top-tier European basketball, the effort combined heritage and innovation with retro game nights, digital fan voting, custom branding, and a global tribute to the All-25 EuroLeague Team in at the Final Four in Abu Dhabi. With more than 77 million impressions and participation from 29 basketball legends, the campaign honored the past while looking firmly to the future.

In partnership with IMG, the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four – which was held for the first time in the Middle East – was nominated for the Sports Innovation Award. Hosted at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, the event marked a historic step in Euroleague Basketball’s global journey. IMG’s world-class production brought the spectacle to life with a record 24 cameras, including immersive in-stanchion angles and RF Steadicams roaming courtside. The Final Four reached new heights in terms of social media engagement, too, reaching 40.56 million, with 208.6 million impressions on all platforms.

Beyond the games, Final Four week featured a series of engaging activations, ranging from the 25th anniversary celebrations to the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Finals, mic’d-up players, and live digital shows. The result was an 81% increase in global fan engagement and a clear signal of intent: to keep pushing boundaries and growing the game.

Together, these nominations highlight a season defined by ambition, creativity, and connection, with fans at the heart of it all.

2025 Sports Business Awards Nominations:

**• Sports Innovation Award:** EuroLeague Final Four 2025 – Abu Dhabi – IMG & Euroleague Basketball

**• Best Sports Marketing Campaign – International:** Euroleague Basketball

EuroLeague Basketball and Sportal.bg, Bulgaria’s leading digital sports media, part of the international Ringier Sports Media Group (RSMG), are proud to announce a new official media partnership that will span over the upcoming Euroleague season.

Euroleague Basketball and Sportal.bg announce Official Media Partnership for the 2025-26 season

EuroLeague Basketball and [Sportal.bg](http://Sportal.bg), Bulgaria’s leading digital sports media, part of the international Ringier Sports Media Group (RSMG), are proud to announce a new official media partnership that will span over the upcoming Euroleague season.

Through this collaboration, [Sportal.bg](http://Sportal.bg) becomes the Official Premium Media Partner of the Euroleague in Bulgaria, offering basketball fans unparalleled access to Europe’s top basketball competition.

The agreement will provide Bulgarian fans with:

- **Comprehensive coverage** of all EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup games, including news, reports, statistics, and live results.
- **Exclusive digital content**, such as interviews with players and coaches, behind-the-scenes stories, and premium video highlights.
- **Strengthening the dedicated EuroLeague section** on [Sportal.bg](http://Sportal.bg), ensuring fans have a one-stop destination for everything related to the competition.
- **Fan engagement initiatives**, including polls, interactive features, and competitions with prizes such as merchandise and match tickets.

"We are delighted to welcome [Sportal.bg](http://Sportal.bg) as our Official Media Partner in Bulgaria," said Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Chief Marketing Communications Officer of Euroleague Basketball. "Bulgaria is a passionate basketball market, and through [Sportal.bg](http://Sportal.bg)’s digital leadership and innovative technologies, we will be able to bring the EuroLeague experience closer and in a more engaging way to its fans and create even stronger connections with the community. At the same time, this partnership reflects EuroLeague’s ambition to explore and strengthen our presence in diverse markets across the European ecosystem, ensuring that basketball’s growth and excitement reach fans everywhere."

"At [Sportal.bg](http://Sportal.bg), we are committed to delivering the best possible sports experience to our readers," added Stilian Shishkov, CEO of [Sportal.bg](http://Sportal.bg) and Managing Partner at Ringier Sports Media Group. "Partnering with the Euroleague, the organizer of the most prestigious basketball competitions in Europe, allows us to combine our editorial excellence with exclusive content and unique fan experiences. Together, we aim to elevate basketball coverage in Bulgaria to a new level."

Euroleague Basketball is delighted to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Movistar Plus+, securing the exclusive broadcast rights of the EuroLeague and non-exclusive rights of the BKT EuroCup in Spain through the 2030-31 season.

Movistar Plus+ and EuroLeague Extend Broadcast Partnership Until 2031

Euroleague Basketball is delighted to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Movistar Plus+, securing the exclusive broadcast rights of the EuroLeague and non-exclusive rights of the BKT EuroCup in Spain through the 2030-31 season.

This five-season extension, secured by Euroleague Basketball’s strategic partner IMG, signed a full year ahead of the current agreement’s expiration, reinforces Movistar Plus+’s unwavering commitment to delivering premium sports content to its subscribers. The renewal ensures that Spanish basketball fans will continue enjoying world-class coverage of the two premier club basketball competitions for years to come.

Spain will be prominently represented in the expanded 20-team EuroLeague during the 2025-26 season, with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Valencia Basket all set to compete in what promises to be the most competitive edition yet, while Baxi Manresa will make its debut in the BKT EuroCup.

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with Movistar Plus+, a platform widely known for their premium quality and excellence, which makes it the perfect home for the EuroLeague and the EuroCup”, said Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO. “Spain remains one of our most strategic markets, and this renewal is key to ensuring the delivery of high-quality broadcasts and premium editorial content, further enhancing the fan experience. This long-term agreement highlights the strength of our collaboration and ensures that Spanish fans will continue to enjoy world-class coverage as the EuroLeague embarks on an exciting new chapter of competition and growth.”

As part of the agreement, Movistar Plus+, owned by Spanish telecommunications leader Telefónica, will broadcast every EuroLeague fixture featuring Spanish teams, as well as a curated selection of the top games from across the league. Starting September 30, the top two games of each round will be available to all Movistar Plus+ customers. For fans seeking the complete EuroLeague experience, up to five games per round—including every game involving Spanish clubs, will be available through Movistar’s enhanced sports package across multiple channels.

“This is a new step in Movistar Plus+'s strategy to strengthen our commitment to top-level sports and to continue shaping, in this new phase, an unmatched content offering featuring the best of the main competitions. The EuroLeague is the highest expression of basketball, and we will strive to meet the highest standards in every game.” states Daniel Domenjo, Movistar Plus+ CEO

Movistar Plus+ will also continue to give significant prominence to non-live EuroLeague content, offering fans an immersive experience beyond the games. This includes exclusive interviews, in-depth pre- and post-game shows for selected matchups, and the fan-favorite program *Eurofighters*. Produced by Movistar’s top-tier editorial team, *Eurofighters* provides expert analysis, insider access, and premium editorial content that reviews each EuroLeague round in detail.

This renewed alliance between Euroleague Basketball and Movistar Plus+ not only secures premium coverage for Spanish fans but also reinforces the EuroLeague’s growing influence and popularity in one of Europe’s most passionate basketball markets.

As the EuroLeague prepares for an exciting 2025–26 season — one that will mark a significant expansion from 18 to 20 teams — the league’s Annual Workshops continued in Barcelona on July 3 with a series of key offseason meetings. Professionals from the Business, Media and Medical areas from the EuroLeague clubs came together to share knowledge, align priorities, and shape the league’s direction both on and off the court.

Executives from the marketing, media, and business departments participated in sessions centered on innovation, fan engagement, and commercial development. The day began with a welcome from Euroleague Basketball CEO Paulius Motiejunas and featured a high-level review of the 2024–25 season, including strong progress in digital reach, brand visibility, and revenue growth.

The agenda also included a panel where clubs were able to share their experiences and best practices during the season, a keynote with an industry expert focused on content creating and distribution, and the results of [the Euroleague Marketing Awards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/news/devotion-marketing-awards-2024-25-panathinaikos-zalgiris-and-fenerbahce-lead-the-way/), which celebrated outstanding achievements in areas such as content, fan campaigns, and sponsor activations.

Meanwhile, on the same day, EuroLeague club doctors held their annual medical meeting. The session provided a platform to exchange insights on player health, performance monitoring, and injury prevention. Topics included the analysis of injury trends, evaluation of digital medical tools, and continued efforts to standardize best practices across clubs, with the goal of improving athlete care and operational consistency.

These workshops form a core part of Euroleague Basketball’s offseason roadmap, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders to reflect, collaborate, and plan for the future. With the Annual Workshops culminating in September with the One Team workshop, dedicated to the league’s social responsibility efforts, the collective focus remains on strengthening the foundations of long-term, sustainable growth.

EuroLeague Annual Workshops continue with focus on collaboration and growth

Devotion Marketing Awards, 2024-25: Panathinaikos, Zalgiris, and Fenerbahce lead the way

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, Zalgiris Kaunas and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul have been named the winners of the 2024-25 Devotion Marketing Awards at the Euroleague Basketball Business Workshops. The awards honor the clubs for their innovative and impactful marketing initiatives in areas such as fan engagement, digital strategies, and merchandising.

### Gold Devotion Award: Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

For the first time ever, the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament moved beyond its traditional home at OAKA, hosting a historic event at the legendary Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. The sixth edition, dubbed "Under The Stars", was a monumental success, drawing 42,000 fans who sold out the event in just 35 hours.

The tournament wasn’t just a basketball competition — it was a full-scale celebration of Pavlos Giannakopoulos’ legacy, blending elite European basketball with the rich cultural heritage of Athens. The atmosphere was electric, with light shows, live music performances from artists across Turkiye, Israel, and Serbia, and unforgettable moments that captured the hearts of fans. The event gained international attention, with over 120 global media features and coverage in multiple countries.

On social media, Panathinaikos saw impressive results with 21.3 million views, over 2.2 million engagements, and 19.6 million unique users across their platforms. The success of this groundbreaking event showcases Panathinaikos’ continued leadership in fan engagement and event marketing.

### Silver Devotion Award: Zalgiris Kaunas

Zalgiris Kaunas took home the Silver Devotion Award for their incredible merchandising campaign celebrating the club’s 80th anniversary. In collaboration with Puma and Lithuanian designer Akieron, the club launched a series of exclusive merchandise collections that flew off the shelves. From limited-edition leather jackets to anniversary watches, Zalgiris’ creative campaigns helped them break sales records, grossing nearly €400,000 in merchandise sales.

The club also saw significant growth in sales, including a 54% increase in scarves and a 55% rise in jersey sales from the previous season. Zalgiris didn’t just focus on merchandise — they also ensured that their success benefited the community, with a portion of the proceeds from mascot-themed products going to charity. The anniversary campaign highlighted the club's ability to merge commercial success with meaningful fan engagement.

### Bronze Devotion Award: Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul was awarded the Bronze Devotion Award for their innovative use of the club mascot, Yellow, who became a central figure in their marketing strategy. Far beyond being just a mascot, Yellow was transformed into a true brand ambassador, generating over €1 million in total revenue through social media, merchandising, and fan engagement activities.

Fenerbahce’s mascot took part in team presentations, on-court activations, and even a partnership with HT Solar to promote sustainability. The club also launched a successful merchandising campaign, selling more than 25,000 Yellow-branded items and earning nearly €500,000 in profit — making it the highest-selling collection outside of basketball and football jerseys.

Yellow’s rise from mascot to digital star was nothing short of extraordinary, with the character gaining over 170,000 new followers across social media. Fenerbahce also took Yellow on a tour of 9 cities across Europe and Abu Dhabi, creating unforgettable experiences for their global fanbase.

Euroleague Basketball congratulates the three winning clubs for their outstanding marketing achievements and recognizes the efforts of all teams involved in delivering memorable and impactful marketing campaigns this season.

ECA General Assembly Convenes in Barcelona

Barcelona, July 3, 2025 — The shareholders of Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) convened today in Barcelona for the ECA General Assembly.

During the meeting, Euroleague Basketball CEO Paulius Motiejunas provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing development of both the EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup. His report included key insights into the competitions’ sporting evolution, audience engagement, and commercial growth.

In addition, Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga and Director of Officiating Dani Hierrezuelo presented the annual officiating report. The presentation highlighted key performance indicators and outlined strategic priorities aimed at further enhancing officiating standards across both competitions.

The ECA General Assembly also reviewed and approved a series of proposals submitted by the ECA Board of Directors (See related [Board release](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/news/2025-26-euroleague-and-eurocup-season-teams-and-calendar-confirmed/)).

1\. 2025–26 Season Calendar: Approval of the proposed calendar, with both the EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup set to commence on September 30, 2025.

2\. Team Participation: Approval of the proposed list of participating clubs for the 2025–26 season, confirming 20 teams in each competition.

3\. Competition Bylaws: Approval of the official competition bylaws for the upcoming season, as well as of the officiating rules and criteria.

The decisions taken reaffirm the league’s commitment to stability, excellence, and continued growth as it prepares for the 2025–26 campaign.

ECA General Assembly convenes in Barcelona

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that Mr. Derya Yannier, General Manager of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, has been selected as the winner of the 2024–25 Gianluigi Porelli EuroLeague Executive of the Year award

Derya Yannier Named 2024–25 Gianluigi Porelli EuroLeague Executive of the Year 

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that Mr. Derya Yannier, General Manager of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, has been selected as the winner of the 2024–25 Gianluigi Porelli EuroLeague Executive of the Year award. 

This prestigious award recognizes the executive whose leadership and strategic decisions most effectively exemplify excellence across all areas of club management throughout the season. Key evaluation criteria include sporting success, business growth, fan experience, marketing innovation, and overall organizational impact. 

Mr. Yannier’s leadership has been instrumental in Fenerbahçe’s return to the top of European basketball. After reaching the EuroLeague Playoffs in the 2022–23 season and the Final Four in 2023–24, the club reached its pinnacle during the 2024–25 campaign. Fenerbahce finished second in the Regular Season standings, overcame Paris Basketball in the Playoffs, and ultimately lifted the EuroLeague championship trophy in Abu Dhabi following a decisive victory over AS Monaco — marking the club’s second EuroLeague title and its first since 2017. 

Beyond on-court success, the 2024–25 season was marked by significant off-court achievements for Fenerbahce under Mr. Yannier’s guidance. The club recorded a 10% increase in average game attendance and launched innovative marketing initiatives, including the widely acclaimed “Yellow the Canary” campaign. This brand strategy leveraged the team’s official mascot across digital, experiential, and cross-platform channels, creating a deeper emotional connection with the fanbase and setting a new benchmark for club engagement. 

Derya Yannier’s lifelong commitment to basketball spans both playing and executive roles. A former professional player for clubs including Ulkerspor, Besiktas, and Banvit, Yannier retired at age 28 due to injury. He subsequently transitioned into basketball management, first serving as General Director of Eskisehir Basket and later as Director of Men’s Leagues at the Turkish Basketball Federation. He joined Fenerbahce in 2021 as Assistant to then-General Manager Maurizio Gherardini, and was promoted to General Manager in 2022. 

The Gianluigi Porelli EuroLeague Executive of the Year award has been presented annually since 2005. Named after the legendary Virtus Bologna president and ULEB founder, the award honors those who shape Turkish Airlines EuroLeague clubs into sustainable and competitive success stories. Mr. Yannier becomes the second Fenerbahçe executive to receive this honor, following Maurizio Gherardini’s selection in the 2016–17 season. 

Euroleague Basketball congratulates Mr. Yannier for his outstanding contributions and visionary leadership.  

More news from Fenerbahce 

Derya Yannier Named 2024–25 Gianluigi Porelli EuroLeague Executive of the Year

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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