EuroLeague's 13 founding clubs to become franchises, receive 30 million euros each

The EuroLeague is set to undergo a significant transformation as its 13 founding clubs will transition into permanent franchises, each set to receive a substantial 30 million euro payout. This strategic shift, valued at 400 million euros, is scheduled to commence with the new season in the first week of July.

Sources close to the competition indicate that the legal framework for converting existing licenses into franchises is already in motion. This restructuring is anticipated to boost both the league's overall value and the individual worth of the participating clubs, with projections of an immediate 25% growth and further increases as indefinite participation solidifies club assets.

The EuroLeague anticipates an accelerated expansion process, driven by a strong interest from numerous clubs eager to acquire new licenses. The plan outlines the integration of six to eight new teams by the 2027-28 season, with these incoming franchises expected to pay between 50 and 90 million euros, depending on market conditions and their historical performance in the competition. Currently, 17 offers have been received from existing clubs and interested cities like London, Rome, and Berlin.

This expansion is part of a broader vision to grow the championship to up to 24 teams by the 2027-28 campaign, with a further increase to 30 teams targeted for 2028 or 2029. The initial expansion alone is projected to generate over 400 million euros from new franchise entry fees, with the founding shareholders exclusively benefiting from these initial proceeds. This development follows a recent valuation report by JB Capital, which placed the combined enterprise value of the EuroLeague and its licensed teams at over 3.2 billion euros.