The Euroleague has decided to fortify itself against the formidable rival NBA Europe and to open up to European basketball.

According to a related article on the website basketballsphere, the organizing body has decided to significantly raise the buyout clause that every team under contract with it must pay.

Thus, from the current fee of 10 million euros, the amount a team would have to pay to withdraw from the league will initially rise to 100 million euros.

However, this will be only the first stage of the buyout clause’s increase.

Subsequently, this amount could rise even higher, with reports and information suggesting that league officials intend to set the final cap at 200 million.

This is clearly a move by which the EuroLeague aims to safeguard its interests. This move may also be a reaction to rumors that had circulated regarding Real Madrid.

These rumors suggested that the Spanish team would sign a contract—as it did—but would not honor it until the end of its term and would leave to join NBA Europe.

It was announced yesterday that Real Madrid has signed a ten-year contract with the EuroLeague.

*photo source: KYPE