A development that could change the future of PAOK basketball is now in the spotlight. PAOK has advanced to the next phase of the EuroLeague’s new franchise selection process, taking a decisive step toward a long-term presence in the competition.
The Euroleague announced that 11 organizations have received preliminary approval and are moving on to the final evaluation. The names have not been officially released, but PAOK is among them. The other teams that have qualified are: Hapoel Tel Aviv, Red Star, Partizan, Maxima Roma, Virtus Bologna, Dubai BC, Paris, London Lions, Valencia, and Napoli.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
For PAOK, the opportunity to secure a EuroLeague franchise for the next ten years is not merely an administrative success. It is an agreement that could change the club’s standing in European basketball. A consistent presence in the competition will open new avenues financially, commercially, and organizationally, laying the groundwork for an organization capable of competing with Europe’s top teams.
Such an agreement would enable PAOK to attract better players, increase its revenue, strengthen its brand, and build a team with stability and a promising future. Participation in a closed, long-term environment such as that of the franchises would transform the club’s day-to-day operations, from the on-court to the business side.
The next step is the EuroLeague’s final decision, in which it will select 8 of the 11 organizations to join the competition’s 13 existing shareholders. The announcement is expected in late September, at which point it will become clear whether PAOK will enter a new era.
*Photo source: KYPE
