The EuroLeague meeting in Barcelona revealed that most clubs are committed to the league, despite the emergence of the NBA Europe project. While some clubs remain uncertain or have requested more time to finalize their positions, there is a shared sense that the EuroLeague has taken a small but important step toward clarifying the league’s direction moving forward.
The EuroLeague’s shareholders meeting concluded Monday in Barcelona, with club executives gathering to discuss the shifting landscape of European basketball. At the center of the conversations was the looming presence of the NBA Europe project — a potential rival league that has begun to reshape long-term thinking across the continent.
The meeting provided a stage for 13 EuroLeague shareholders to reaffirm their positions amid mounting speculation about which clubs might be persuaded to leave the league and join the NBA-backed competition if it becomes a reality.
Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos Clarify Their Stance
According to sources, most EuroLeague shareholders repeated their commitment to the current competition — this time in front of all parties — though a couple of clubs continue to weigh their options.
Reaffirming support from key clubs like Fenerbahce Istanbul and Panathinaikos Athens was seen as an important moment. Both teams, especially Fenerbahce, had been mentioned in various media reports as potential targets for the NBA Europe.
During the meeting, both clubs clarified that they remain focused on strengthening the EuroLeague and continuing to build the project.
Real Madrid and Barcelona Yet to Decide
Real Madrid, one of the most successful and influential clubs in European basketball, has not yet confirmed if it plans to stay in the EuroLeague after 2026, when its current 10-year license expires.
According to BasketNews sources, the NBA sees Real Madrid as a top target for the new league and hopes the Spanish club will join NBA Europe if the new project moves forward.
Barcelona also declined to take a definitive stance on extending its shareholder license, with sources indicating the Catalan club will likely follow Real Madrid’s lead.
ASVEL and Milan Request More Time
Elsewhere, ASVEL Villeurbanne and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan have requested additional time to formally outline their intentions regarding the EuroLeague’s proposed long-term licensing agreement. In Milan’s case, sources indicate the delay is procedural, with internal processes needing to be completed before a formal commitment, sources tell BasketNews.
Tony Parker, ASVEL’s majority owner, has openly confirmed ongoing discussions with NBA Europe and has previously shown a willingness to explore new opportunities. While ASVEL expressed a desire to remain in the EuroLeague during the meeting, their commitment will be tested over time.
Seven Clubs Already Committed
According to BasketNews sources, seven of the league’s 13 shareholders have already formalized their long-term commitment to the EuroLeague. Four more are widely believed to make formal commitments once they complete ongoing internal procedures, per sources.
Members believe there is little reason to expect any shift in their stance, as the clubs have communicated their intentions to shareholders.
Potential Investor Talks Continue
That figure carries significant weight as the EuroLeague continues negotiations with private equity firm BC Partners, which is exploring a potential partnership deal.
Sources indicate that BC Partners requires at least 11 committed shareholders to proceed with any formal agreement. While discussions have been ongoing for some time, key decisions — including the percentage of the league’s equity that would be up for sale — remain under discussion.
FIBA present in meeting
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis delivered a presentation on the NBA Europe project during the meeting, following a request by FIBA to speak at the EuroLeague shareholders gathering.
According to sources, the presentation left some stakeholders still seeking additional information and clarity on key aspects of the project.
While the actions taken during the meeting may not have been groundbreaking, there is a sense of cautious optimism within the EuroLeague.
This collective stance, though not without its challenges, provides the EuroLeague with a more precise direction moving forward as it navigates the evolving landscape of European basketball and the potential emergence of NBA Europe.
NBA Europe Updates Keep Getting More Interesting:
Who are the EuroLeague shareholders?
| Team |
| Anadolu Efes (Turkey) |
| Baskonia (Spain) |
| FC Barcelona (Spain) |
| Fenerbahce (Turkey) |
| Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) |
| Olympiacos Piraeus (Greece) |
| Olimpia Milan (Italy) |
| Panathinaikos Athens (Greece) |
| Real Madrid (Spain) |
| ASVEL Villeurbanne (France) |
| FC Bayern Munich (Germany) |
| Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania) |
| CSKA Moscow (Russia) |
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