Thirteen Euroleague club owners gathered at Villa d’Este in Cernobbio on Lake Como to vote on expanding the top European club competition to 24 teams, weighing a binding 50-million-euro commitment from Virtus Bologna against a competing rival proposal from the NBA, according to reporting by Corriere di Bologna. The October 6, 2026 meeting arrives as European basketball faces a potential structural split between the established continental body and incoming American-backed initiatives.
Shareholders Vote to Expand League to 24 Teams
The high-level dinner on the shores of Lake Como brought together the 13 shareholders holding long-term licenses to vote on scaling the competition. Corriere di Bologna reported that unless unexpected disruption occurred, the summit was set to greenlight an immediate expansion from 20 to 24 teams starting next season, with a subsequent roadmap targeting 28 clubs. This growth introduces a franchise-style system. The 13 current licence-holders retain automatic status, leaving eight additional slots open for selection from an expanded pool of 13 candidate clubs.
Virtus Bologna Bids 50 Million Euros for Franchise Spot
Virtus Bologna president Massimo Zanetti submitted a binding financial offer of 50 million euros, structured across 10 years, to secure a permanent franchise spot. Corriere di Bologna noted that this valuation reflects the historical prestige and brand value of the Italian club, coming in lower than figures requested of newer market entrants. The club reaches a turning point as it prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2027 and moves into the new 12,000-seat Unipol Hall built by the Fiera.
Competing Pressures From NBA Europe
While European stakeholders advance their franchise model, the NBA’s separate project continues to loom over continental scheduling. Corriere di Bologna reported that the American league’s proposal failed to convince the 13 European shareholders, who raised doubts regarding projected ticketing and television broadcast revenues. Despite the cooling reception from Euroleague owners, NBA commissioner Adam Silver indicated that the American-backed competition will launch in 2027 regardless of an agreement with Euroleague. The proposed NBA structure targets 12 fixed-market clubs—including franchises in Athens and Istanbul—alongside four rotating participants tied to FIBA competitions such as the Basketball Champions League. In Italy, reports point toward Varese as a focal point for the NBA project, with RedBird—owned by Milan proprietor Gerry Cardinale—potentially anchoring a team in the city for domestic play while hosting continental fixtures in Milan.
League May Split Teams into Two Conferences
The transition to a 24-team Euroleague grid from next season introduces new logistical structures. Corriere di Bologna outlined that the participating sides will likely split into two separate conferences or groups. Under this projected setup, 21 spots would be held by permanent or semi-permanent franchises, while three positions would rotate according to criteria still under final evaluation by the board. Despite the conference split, the traditional postseason format featuring standard playoffs and a concluding Final Four is expected to remain unchanged.
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