EuroLeague is approaching a major financial milestone as it prepares to transition towards a franchise model, with the combined value of the competition and its clubs projected to reach €4.3 billion by 2027.
The Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) Shareholders Council reviewed the implementation of the strategic transformation roadmap approved on March 3, including the progress of the competition’s planned franchise expansion.
The expansion process, officially launched in July 2026, aims to add eight new long-term franchises to the EuroLeague from the 2027-28 season. More than 20 expressions of interest have been submitted by existing EuroLeague and EuroCup clubs as well as new investment projects.
Of these, 11 candidates have been shortlisted, while four other proposals remain on hold.
The shortlisted candidates have submitted binding offers involving franchise fees worth nearly €700 million in total. The proposals represent more than €3.2 billion in expected investment over the next five years, highlighting the scale of capital being attracted to European basketball.
€4.3 billion valuation target
The franchise expansion forms part of a broader strategy to increase the value and commercial strength of EuroLeague and its clubs.
According to projections by JB Capital, implementation of the strategic transformation plan is expected to push the combined value of the league and its clubs to €4.3 billion by 2027.
Separately, Euroleague Basketball’s three-year strategic business plan targets a total operating value of €2.5 billion within three seasons.
The competition is also forecasting 15% year-on-year revenue growth, an upgraded projection compared with the figure presented at the General Assembly on July 7. The increase is being supported by new commercial agreements secured by the competition.
EuroLeague is also seeking to strengthen its infrastructure and digital ecosystem. ArenaCO, a vehicle designed to provide financing and expertise to clubs seeking to modernise their arenas, is one of the key initiatives. Meanwhile, EuroLeague Basketball+ is being developed as the digital home of European basketball.
Franchise model enters decisive phase
Euroleague Basketball CEO Chus Bueno said the level of interest generated by the franchise process demonstrates the confidence of clubs, investors and new projects in the future of the competition.
The 11 shortlisted candidates will now enter a rigorous due diligence process. The findings are expected to be presented to the Euroleague Basketball Board and club owners at the end of September.
A final vote will then determine the transition to the franchise model, as well as the number and names of the clubs that will form the first phase of expansion for the 2027-28 season.
The process marks one of the most significant structural changes in EuroLeague history, as European basketball moves towards a more investment-driven, long-term franchise-based model.