Despite growing speculation surrounding the NBA’s potential expansion into Europe, Real Madrid has reaffirmed its commitment to the EuroLeague by signing a new 10-year agreement with the competition.
According to Eurohoops, the Spanish powerhouse has become the final shareholder club to approve the EuroLeague’s new long-term framework, marking a decisive step in the competition’s transition toward a franchise-based model.
The agreement is expected to be officially ratified during the EuroLeague Board meeting scheduled for Friday, where executives will also discuss the league’s expansion plans and the next phase of its strategic development.
The move appears to put an end, at least for now, to reports suggesting that Real Madrid could join the NBA’s proposed European project. Instead, the club has opted to remain at the heart of the EuroLeague’s future structure.
Earlier this month, Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) approved a three-year strategic growth plan that includes replacing the current licensing system with a franchise model designed to provide greater long-term stability for participating clubs.
The business plan, approved in March, focuses on evaluating permanent licences, expanding the number of teams, accelerating digital transformation, and entering new markets. EuroLeague’s objective is to increase the competition’s valuation to €2.5 billion over the next three seasons.
Real Madrid’s decision represents a major boost for the EuroLeague’s ambitious transformation project, strengthening both the sporting credibility and commercial appeal of Europe’s premier basketball competition.