EuroLeague took a decisive step toward a new economic era following its Board of Directors meeting in Barcelona. The competition approved a major update to its revenue-sharing system, the first significant change in more than two decades, with the aim of strengthening the financial stability of clubs and supporting the sustained growth the tournament has experienced in recent seasons. The decision comes at a time when European basketball is seeking to consolidate its commercial appeal, reinforce the value of its franchises and expand its presence in new markets.

The reform not only aims to distribute revenue from broadcasting and commercial agreements differently, but also to reward factors that previously had less weight within the league’s ecosystem, such as digital engagement, fan attendance and recent sporting performance. All of this comes as the EuroLeague maintains its 20-team format for the 2026-27 season and advances an ambitious expansion plan that could reshape the competitive landscape of continental basketball.

A new economic model to distribute growth

The new distribution system approved by the EuroLeague will be based on two major funds. The first will be linked to broadcasting revenue and will allow licensed clubs to retain 65 percent of what is generated in their respective domestic markets. The remaining 35 percent will be distributed equally among all licensed teams. This formula seeks to recognize the specific weight of the strongest clubs in terms of audience and television value, while maintaining a collective logic that helps sustain the entire competition.

Meanwhile, the commercial fund will distribute 75 percent of its resources according to a combination of factors such as sporting results, stadium attendance, television audiences, digital engagement and historical performance. The remaining 25 percent will be distributed equally among licensed clubs. With this scheme, the EuroLeague aims to ensure that financial growth does not depend solely on the size of individual markets, but also on each organization’s ability to build an active fan community, generate brand value and maintain consistent competitive performance.

A stable format and an increasingly close expansion

The Board of Directors also confirmed that the EuroLeague will maintain its 20-team round-robin format for the 2026-27 season. However, behind that continuity lies a much broader strategy. The competition is studying new expansion opportunities and has already received letters of interest from more than 10 clubs and markets interested in joining the league in the coming years. The first exploratory phase of that process will officially begin in July 2026.

At the same time, the EuroLeague is moving forward with the transition from the current 10-year licensing system to a permanent franchise model designed to provide greater stability, attract new investment and increase the value of club assets. An independent valuation by JB Capital placed the combined enterprise value of the EuroLeague and its licensed clubs at €3.2 billion, a figure that could grow by nearly 25 percent once the new strategic plan is implemented. In parallel, the competition is also studying improvements to player travel and health conditions, changes to the structure of the EuroCup and the possible creation of a preseason tournament between the champions of the EuroLeague and the EuroCup.