EuroLeague Moves to Franchise Model as CEO Urges Cooperation With NBA
The league says the plan seeks to protect its commercial value by attracting investors, centralizing fan services, and avoiding a split European market with the NBA.
Overview
- EuroLeague is pushing a shift to permanent franchises to offer long-term stability, draw new investors, and expand into cities such as London, Rome and Berlin.
- CEO Chus Bueno says the NBA’s entry into Europe now appears inevitable and that negotiated cooperation would be preferable to two competing leagues that could fragment the market.
- Real Madrid and Fenerbahce have publicly committed to the league’s long-term project, a sign EuroLeague says has strengthened investor confidence in franchise sales.
- EuroLeague plans a direct-to-consumer digital platform to centralize content, merchandising and ticketing so the league can build direct fan relationships and boost media revenue.
- The move responds to a commercial problem where football dominates European sports media revenue while basketball lags, and further talks with the NBA will need model changes on both sides to produce a deal.