EuroLeague president Dejan Bodiroga has outlined plans to expand the competition from 20 to 24 teams next season, with a new two-conference format potentially replacing the existing round-robin system.
Speaking on “Radar Forum,” Bodiroga confirmed that the league is working toward significant structural changes, including the introduction of franchises and the addition of new participating clubs.
However, the EuroLeague has not yet finalized the criteria that would determine how teams are divided between the proposed conferences.
“We haven’t yet determined the criteria for forming those conferences,” he explained. “Franchises are also coming. There is significant interest and plenty of offers, from teams in the EuroCup and others outside it. They have submitted binding offers expressing their desire to become EuroLeague members.”
According to Bodiroga, interest in joining the EuroLeague extends beyond its current participants, with clubs from the EuroCup and other competitions submitting formal applications.
The proposed expansion would represent another major development for Europe’s leading club basketball competition, potentially changing both its regular-season structure and membership system.
Bodiroga also described the recent shareholders’ meeting in Italy as an important step toward implementing the planned changes.
MORE FOR YOU
He pointed to increasing attendance, television audiences and commercial interest as evidence of the competition’s continued development.
“The EuroLeague has never been stronger than it is today,” he said. “We are growing and progressing according to our plan.”
While the expansion plans are taking shape, several details remain unresolved, including the conference allocation criteria and the final selection of clubs that would receive franchise status.
