The Euroleague, the most prestigious club competition in European basketball, is about to undergo a significant change. The board of directors recently approved the expansion to 20 teams for the 2025-2026 season, which includes the addition of a team from Dubai, the first from the Gulf to participate. This move, along with the holding of the Final Four in Abu Dhabi, raises questions about the direction Euroleague is taking and its identity as a European competition.

Next season’s schedule promises to be longer and more demanding, with travel that will not only span Europe, but will also include trips of more than six hours to Dubai. This change, while ambitious, could be moving the Euroleague away from its European roots.

Dubai’s entry and Euroleague expansion

Dubai’s inclusion in the Euroleague marks a milestone in the competition’s history. Founded in 2023, the Emirati club has proven its worth in the Adriatic League, reaching the semifinals with standout players such as Davis Bertans and Jerry Boutsiele. Their venue, the 17,000-capacity Coca-Cola Arena, promises to be a world-class venue.

However, Dubai’s geographical position poses a logistical challenge for the European teams, who will face long travel times. This change also reflects an expansion strategy that seeks to attract new markets and audiences, but could dilute the “European” essence of the competition.

The influence of FIBA and the NBA on European basketball

Euroleague’s decision to expand beyond Europe could be interpreted as a response to moves by FIBA and the NBA. Both organizations have been in contact in recent years to develop a strong competition in Europe that could rival the Euroleague. This project, although still in development, seeks to strengthen European basketball under a more centralized model and with the backing of the NBA.

The Euroleague, for its part, seems to be opting for a different strategy, betting on globalization and the inclusion of emerging markets. The question is whether this direction will be enough to maintain its position as the leading club competition in Europe or whether it will open the door to greater competition.

The return of Valencia

As decisions favorable to Europe, Valencia will return to Europe’s elite and host the 2026 Final Four at its new venue.

The Euroleague seems to be at a crossroads: maintain its identity as a European competition or transform itself into a global tournament. Time will tell if this strategy will be beneficial for European basketball or if it will open the door to a new era of the competition.

The 20 teams of Euroleague 2025-26

• Real Madrid (ESP)
• Barça (ESP)
• Baskonia (ESP)
• Olympiacos (GRE)
• Panathinaikos (GRE)
• Fenerbahce (TUR)
• Anadolu Efes (TUR)
• Zalgiris Kaunas (LIT)
• Olimpia Milano (ITA)
• Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR)
• ASVEL Villeurbanne (FRA)
• Bayern Munich (GER)
• AS Monaco (FRA)
• Hapoel Tel Aviv (EuroCup Champion) (ISR)
• Red Star* (SER)
• Partizan* (SER)
• Paris Basketball* (FRA)
• Virtus Bologna* (ITA)
• Valencia Basket* (ESP)
• Dubai Basketball* (EAU)
  *Teams not confirmed and that would play the Euroleague with an invitation.