The meeting of representatives from the 13 EuroLeague Basketball shareholders concluded at noon on Tuesday (October 6) in Como, and the organizing body released a statement detailing what was discussed.

Specifically, the teams were informed about the transition to a franchise system, while the process will continue for the four teams to be added in the new season (2027–28), bringing the total number of clubs from 20 to 24.

In fact, a commemorative photo was published, from which Dimitris Giannakopoulos was absent. The Panathinaikos executive was present at Monday’s dinner (October 5), but was absent from today’s proceedings.

The EuroLeague Basketball announcement:

“The member clubs of EuroLeague Commercial Assets (ECA) met on Tuesday, October 6, in Cernobbio, Italy, to discuss and align on key strategic decisions regarding the future of their collective ownership.

The President of Euroleague Basketball, Dejan Bodiroga, welcomed the attendees and praised the work the clubs have accomplished over the past decades, which has led to unprecedented growth, interest, and momentum for European club basketball.

The meeting continued with a presentation by the CEO of Euroleague Basketball, Tsos Bueno, who provided an update on the progress made regarding the approved strategic roadmap and the ten-year business plan, as well as the key strategic priorities.

These included the proposed conversion of the existing ten-year licenses held by the thirteen shareholder clubs into a franchise system, as well as expansion opportunities arising from multiple binding offers received from leading professional clubs.

Conversion to a Franchise

System The club owners in attendance agreed to proceed with the process of converting the existing ten-year licenses to a franchise system for the thirteen—ECA shareholders: Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, CSKA Moscow, Armani Olimpia Milan, FC Barcelona, FC Bayern Munich, Fenerbahçe Istanbul, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Olympiacos Piraeus, Panathinaikos Athens, Real Madrid, and Zalgiris Kaunas.

Franchise

Expansion The clubs agreed to continue the process of increasing the number of franchises. The club owners tasked the Board of Directors with continuing the evaluation process and presenting a final recommendation for approval within the coming weeks.”

*photo source: euroleaguebasketball.net