EuroLeague Expands to 20 Teams: Strategic Moves and What It Means for Basketball in Europe

EuroLeague Expands to 20 Teams: A Game-Changer for European Basketball
The EuroLeague has made a bold move by expanding from 18 to 20 teams starting in the 2025-26 season. This decision, confirmed during a recent shareholder meeting, marks a significant step in the league’s long-term vision to grow its footprint across Europe and beyond.
Key Changes and Team Additions
- Regular Season Expansion: The number of games will increase from 34 to 38, maintaining the current playoff structure where six teams advance directly, and four more compete via a play-in tournament.
- New Entrants: Dubai Basketball joins as a strategic addition, securing a rare five-year license. Paris Basketball is also under consideration for a one-year wildcard spot, pending further evaluation of the Paris market’s potential.
- Licensing Updates: Teams like Hapoel Tel Aviv (EuroCup champions), Valencia Basket, and Virtus Bologna are set to receive multi-year licenses, while Partizan Mozzart Bet and Crvena Zvezda have already secured three-year deals at €750,000 per season.
Strategic Implications
The inclusion of Dubai Basketball is a calculated gamble aimed at unlocking new commercial opportunities in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Paris Basketball’s potential entry could test the waters in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. The league’s next phase might see further expansion to 24 teams, possibly introducing a conference-based system.
2025-26 Season Teams:
- Anadolu Efes Istanbul (Turkey)
- AS Monaco (Monaco)
- ASVEL LDLC Villeurbanne (France)
- Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain)
- Dubai Basketball (UAE)
- Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (Serbia)
- EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (Italy)
- FC Barcelona (Spain)
- FC Bayern Munich (Germany)
- Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (Turkey)
- Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (Israel)
- Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (Israel)
- Olympiacos Piraeus (Greece)
- Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (Greece)
- Paris Basketball (France)
- Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (Serbia)
- Real Madrid (Spain)
- Valencia Basket (Spain) Chunk of remaining content…
WindyStats
Hot comment (11)

ইউরোলিগ এবার ২০ দলে! ডুবাই বাস্কেটবল নিয়ে আসছে মধ্যপ্রাচ্যের ঝলক। প্যারিসও কি ঢুকবে?
টাকার গন্ধ পেয়েছে বেলগ্রেড পার্টিজান আর ক্রভেনা জেভজদা প্রতি সিজনে ৭৫০,০০০ ইউরো পাবে। আমাদের এফসি বরিশাল কবে এমন সৌভাগ্য পাবে?
৩৮ ম্যাচের রোমাঞ্চ নিয়মিত মৌসুমে বাড়তি ৪ ম্যাচ মানে বাড়তি মজা। কিন্তু কোচরা এখনই চিন্তায়: “খেলোয়াড়দের ক্লান্তি কমানো যাবে কীভাবে?”
আপনার কী মনে হয়? এই সম্প্রসারণ ইউরোপীয় বাস্কেটবলের জন্য ভালো নাকি বেশি হয়ে গেল? নিচে কমেন্ট করুন!

The Balkan Money Ball
Looks like Belgrade teams are printing euros faster than their free throws! Partizan and Crvena Zvezda secured those sweet €750k licenses while the rest of Europe watches their wallets.
Dubai Does Dunkonomics
The Middle East enters the game with Dubai Basketball’s five-year deal. Next stop: camel racing sponsors on jerseys? 🐫🏀
Parisian Wildcard Woes
Paris Basketball might get a one-year trial - because nothing says ‘basketball culture’ like French surrender jokes waiting to happen.
Which expansion team are you betting on? Drop your hot takes below!

EuroLeague passe à 20 équipes : la folie des licences !
On dirait que l’EuroLeague a décidé de jouer aux Monopoly avec ses licences ! Dubai débarque avec un chèque en poche (5 ans garantis, merci qui ?), pendant que Paris tente de séduire les dirigeants avec son charme… et son marché potentiel.
Les stars du moment :
- Belgrade : “On a les sous” (merci Mozzart Bet)
- Tel Aviv : champion d’EuroCup et maintenant VIP à vie
Et vous, vous pariez sur quelle équipe pour la prochaine extension ? 24 équipes, ça vous dit ? #EuroLeague2025

یورولگ کا نیا دور!
اب یورولگ میں 20 ٹیمیں ہوں گی، جس میں دبئی باسکٹ بال بھی شامل ہے۔ شاید اب ہماری کرکٹ کی طرح باسکٹ بال میں بھی ایشیا کا غلبہ ہو جائے!
پیسے کی بارش
پارٹیزان موزارٹ بیٹ اور کرونا زویزڈا جیسی ٹیموں کو 750,000 یورو مل رہے ہیں۔ لگتا ہے بیلگریڈ کے پاس اب پیسہ بہت ہے!
تم کیا سوچتے ہو؟
کیا آپ کو لگتا ہے کہ دبئی کی ٹیم یورولگ کو تبدیل کر دے گی؟ تبصرے میں بتائیں!

L’EuroLeague passe à 20 équipes !
Avec l’arrivée de Dubaï et peut-être Paris, on se demande si le basket va devenir un spectacle de cirque.
Dubaï : le nouveau géant ? Un club qui débarque avec un chèque de 5 ans… À ce prix-là, ils pourraient acheter la tour Eiffel pour leurs matchs à domicile !
Et Paris dans tout ça ? Si on leur donne une wildcard, espérons qu’ils joueront mieux que nos politiques… #Débat
Vos pronostics pour le prochain fiasco ? 😂

EuroLeague auf Steroiden! 🏀
Die EuroLeague expandiert auf 20 Teams – und Dubai steigt ein! Wer hätte gedacht, dass wir eines Tages über Kamel-Riesen im Basketball sprechen würden? 😆
Paris vs. Datteln: Mit Paris Basketball als Wildcard-Kandidat wird’s spannend: Croissants gegen Falafel beim Timeout?
Und klar, Belgrad zahlt jetzt 750k pro Saison – da kann man sich endlich bessere Schiedsrichter leisten!
Was denkt ihr: Wird Dubai die Liga auf Öl-Geld umtaufen? ⬇️

¡La EuroLeague se pone las pilas! Con 20 equipos ahora, hasta Dubai se apunta al carro del baloncesto europeo. ¿Quién iba a decir que veríamos partidos en medio del desierto? 🏜️🏀
El detalle curioso: Partizan y Crvena Zvezda ya tienen asegurados sus 750.000 euros por temporada. ¡Parece que en Belgrado saben cómo mover el dinero! 💰
Y tú, ¿crees que Paris Basketball durará más que un croissant recién hecho? 🥐 #EuroLeagueExpansion

EuroLeague passe à 20 équipes : préparez-vous au chaos organisé !
Avec l’arrivée de Dubaï et peut-être Paris, la ligue veut clairement mélanger les styles : du couscous stratégique aux croissants défensifs.
Et ces licences à 750K€ ? Même le PSG doit être jaloux.
Question cruciale : Qui va expliquer les règles à l’équipe de Dubaï quand ils tenteront de payer les arbitres avec du pétrole ?
[GIF suggéré : un cheikh en sweat à capuche dribblant maladroitement]
Vos pronostics pour le premier scandale ? #EuroLeagueSauceSpéciale

EuroLeague passe à 20 équipes : la folie continue !
Avec l’arrivée de Dubai Basketball et peut-être Paris, on se demande si la prochaine étape sera une équipe sur la Lune. 🚀
Licenses à gogo Crvena Zvezda et Partizan ont visiblement trouvé un trésor à Belgrade – 750 000€ par saison, ça motive ! 💰
Et maintenant ? Avec 38 matchs en saison régulière, prévoyez des nuits blanches… et des cafés supplémentaires. ☕
Vous en pensez quoi, cette expansion va booster le basket européen ou c’est juste un coup marketing ?

ইউরোলিগ এখন টাকার খেলা!
২০ দলের এই নতুন ব্যবস্থায় দেখছি ডুবাই টিম এসেছে ‘৫ বছরের লাইসেন্স’ নিয়ে - মানে ওদের ব্যাংক ব্যালেন্স দেখে সবাই হাঁফ ছেড়েছে! প্যারিসের জন্য ‘ওয়াইল্ডকার্ড’? মনে হচ্ছে কাউকে ফ্রি খাবার দিয়ে ভোট পেতে হবে!
সবচেয়ে মজার অংশ: পার্টিজান ও ক্রভেনা জ্ভেজদার লাইসেন্স ফি দেখে মনে হলো বেলগ্রেডে suddenly সবাই ক্রিপ্টো করে ফেলেছে! 🤯
(ইমোজি: 🏀💸🌍)
কেমন লাগলো এই ‘টাকা-পয়সার ইউরোলিগ’? কমেন্টে জানান!

Waltairondada vs Avaí: A 1-1 Draw That Tells a Story of Resilience and Data

Tough Draw: Vila Nova vs Avaí End in 1-1 Thriller at Baixada | A Match of Resilience and Redemption

Brazilian Serie B Week 12: Drama, Defense, and the Rise of the Underdogs

Brazilian Serie B Week 12 Review: Drama, Data, and the Battle for Promotion

Waltarredonda vs Avaí: A Tactical Clash That Ended in 1-1 Deadlock at the 2025 Copa do Brasil Final Stretch

Waltarena vs Avaí: A 1-1 Draw That Tells the Story of Brazilian Second Division’s Resilience

Volta Redonda vs Avaí: A Battle of Resilience in Brazil's Serie B Showdown

Brazilian Serie B Round 12: Tactical Breakdown and Key Takeaways

Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Stalemate in Brazil's Serie B

Brazilian Serie B Round 12: Thrilling Draws, Surprising Upsets, and Playoff Implications
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Stalemate in Brazil's Serie BIn a tightly contested match in Brazil's Serie B, Volta Redonda and Avaí battled to a 1-1 draw. As a seasoned football analyst, I break down the key moments, tactical setups, and what this result means for both teams' seasons. From historical context to live match analysis, this piece offers a comprehensive look at a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Stalemate in Brazil's Serie BIn the latest round of Brazil's Serie B, Volta Redonda and Avaí battled to a 1-1 draw, showcasing defensive resilience but lacking finishing precision. As a seasoned football analyst, I break down the teams' performances, key moments, and what this result means for their season ambitions. From tactical setups to standout players, here's your detailed post-match review.
- The 2025 Club World Cup Kicks Off: Can Anyone Stop the Football Giants?The revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is here, featuring 32 elite teams from six continents battling for glory from June 15 to July 14. As a Chicago sports analyst with a passion for global football, I break down the opening match between Al Ahly and Inter Miami, analyze the new tournament format, and share my predictions. Join the conversation with your own forecasts using #ClubWorldCupPath on social media!
- From Championship Gaffer to Airport Ground Staff: The Unconventional Journey of Luke WilliamsLuke Williams, the former Swansea City manager, has made headlines not for a new coaching role, but for working as an airport customer service assistant. In this article, I delve into his unconventional career move, his philosophy on work and life, and what football can learn from his humility and resilience. A must-read for anyone interested in the human side of football.
- The Untouchables: 6 Football Legends Who Never Saw RedAs a sports analyst with a penchant for data-driven storytelling, I delve into the remarkable careers of six football icons who maintained pristine disciplinary records. From Gary Lineker's 'Mr. Clean' legacy to Philipp Lahm's textbook defending, discover how these players combined skill with sportsmanship in an era of increasing physicality. Their zero-red-card achievements reveal fascinating insights about position play, temperament, and football's evolving rules.
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Breakdown of the 1-1 Draw in Brazil's Serie BAs a seasoned sports analyst, I delve into the recent clash between Volta Redonda and Avaí in Brazil's Serie B. This article provides a detailed analysis of both teams' performances, key moments from the 1-1 draw, and what this result means for their season ambitions. From tactical insights to player contributions, I break down the data to give you a comprehensive understanding of this thrilling encounter.
- Porto Coach on Facing Messi: 'He Gives Us Joy, But We Must Stop Him' - Tactical BreakdownPorto's coach Anselmi discusses the challenge of facing Lionel Messi and Miami International in the Club World Cup. While acknowledging Messi's impact for Argentina, he emphasizes Porto's strategy to control possession and limit space. A deep dive into the tactical preparations and the European vs. South American football rivalry.
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Breakdown of the 1-1 Draw in Brazil's Serie BDive into an analytical recap of the thrilling 1-1 draw between Volta Redonda and Avaí in Brazil's Serie B. Explore team backgrounds, key moments, and tactical insights from a data-driven perspective. Discover how both teams fared, standout performances, and what this result means for their season ambitions.
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Stalemate in Brazil's Serie BIn this analysis, I break down the 1-1 draw between Volta Redonda and Avaí in Brazil's Serie B. Covering team backgrounds, key moments, and tactical insights, this piece offers a data-driven perspective on what went right—and wrong—for both sides. Whether you're a stats nerd or a casual fan, there's something here for everyone.
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Breakdown of the 1-1 Draw in Brazil's Serie BAs a seasoned football analyst, I delve into the recent clash between Volta Redonda and Avaí in Brazil's Serie B. This match ended in a 1-1 draw, showcasing both teams' strengths and weaknesses. From team backgrounds to key player performances, I break down the tactical nuances that defined this encounter. Whether you're a stats enthusiast or a casual fan, this analysis offers fresh insights into what went down on the pitch.
- Waltarena vs Avaí: A 1-1 Draw That Tells the Story of Brazilian Second Division’s Resilience
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Stalemate in Brazil's Serie B
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Stalemate in Brazil's Serie B
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Breakdown of the 1-1 Draw in Brazil's Serie B
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Breakdown of the 1-1 Draw in Brazil's Serie B
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Breakdown of the 1-1 Draw in Brazil's Serie B
- Volta Redonda vs. Avaí: A Tactical Breakdown of the 1-1 Stalemate in Brazil's Serie B