Napoli Basketball has received conditional approval to join the EuroLeague as part of the competition’s planned expansion, according to Front Office Sports.
A source familiar with the matter told FOS that Napoli received the conditional approval in August and is expected to receive formal approval within the next 90 days. The development comes as EuroLeague shareholders continue discussions over the league’s long-term expansion and business structure.
EuroLeague currently has 20 teams, including 13 permanent shareholder clubs and seven teams that qualify through other routes, such as winning the EuroCup or receiving short-term licenses. The competition is planning to expand to as many as 24 teams by the 2027-28 season.
The news surrounding Napoli comes at a significant moment for European basketball. On Tuesday, the owners of the 13 EuroLeague shareholder clubs rejected an initial proposal from the NBA to collaborate on a European competition.
Sources told FOS that the proposal was rejected by a supermajority of EuroLeague owners, with Barcelona, Fenerbahce and Olympiacos among the clubs voting against it. The proposal reportedly included a condition that EuroLeague pause its planned expansion, while the NBA also valued EuroLeague below the $3 billion valuation the competition is seeking.
Despite the rejection, sources expect discussions between the NBA and EuroLeague to continue.
EuroLeague said following Tuesday’s meeting that it is making progress on its 10-year business plan. The league also said a final recommendation regarding the conversion of existing 10-year licenses into permanent franchises and its expansion plans is expected in the coming weeks.
Napoli’s potential entry would represent another major step for a club that has undergone significant changes over the past decade.
Founded as Cuore Napoli Basket in 2016 following the collapse of S.S. Basket Napoli, the club quickly reached Serie A2 and later returned to Italy’s top division. Napoli earned promotion to the Lega Basket Serie A in 2021 and won the Italian Cup in 2024, defeating EuroLeague side Olimpia Milano in the final.
The club entered a new era in 2025 when American entrepreneur Matt Rizzetta became its principal owner. The organization was subsequently renamed Napoli Basketball and brought in NBA executive James Laughlin as general manager and John Staudt as head of scouting.
Rizzetta has also been working with the city of Naples and its mayor on plans for a new arena near the Amalfi Coast. According to FOS, the proposed venue is being designed to meet both EuroLeague and NBA Europe standards.
Napoli is therefore positioning itself for a larger role in European basketball, with the club potentially joining the EuroLeague as the competition expands.
