EuroLeague is exploring expanding to 20 teams the next season, with recent discussions suggesting growing optimism among clubs. Attention now turns to the key EuroLeague meeting and upcoming talks with the NBA.
EuroLeague executives and team representatives met on Friday in Abu Dhabi, just before the Final Four games, to talk about different expansion plans—most importantly, the possible move from 18 to 20 teams starting next season, sources tell BasketNews.
While no final decision has been made, a formal vote on the expansion is scheduled for May 29, following the conclusion of the Final Four.
BasketNews sources describe the tone of recent discussions as “increasingly optimistic,” with more confidence that the expansion will be approved.
If the expansion is approved, the main teams expected to join the EuroLeague next season are Hapoel Tel Aviv, Dubai Basketball, and Valencia Basket — replacing ALBA Berlin in the current group of clubs.
A few different expansion projects will be presented before the vote, but the most likely plan right now includes 20 teams, 38 regular season games, no conferences, and two extra double-game weeks.
If EuroLeague chooses this path, the league is expected to grow to 24 teams in the following seasons. In that case, a conference system would likely be introduced in the future.
In parallel with the expansion talks, EuroLeague leadership is preparing for another round of meetings with both the NBA and FIBA next week.
These discussions are expected to focus on collaboration opportunities and the structure of the basketball ecosystem across Europe.
Another key moment in the decision-making process will take place on May 29, when EuroLeague will hold a pivotal meeting to finalize the team lineup for the 2025-26 season.
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