Controversy Surrounds Portimonense's Betclic League Promotion: “Money Prevailed”

Vasco da Gama has issued a statement challenging the allocation of the vacant spot left by Imortal BC to Portimonense SC for the 2026/27 Betclic League season.

The Porto-based club had previously informed the Portuguese Basketball Federation of its intention to compete if a vacancy arose. They now argue that they should have been consulted and involved in the process.

Vasco da Gama also expressed surprise at the swift approval of the transfer of sporting rights and stated their intention to pursue all available legal avenues to protect their interests.

The Albufeira club transferred its sporting rights to the Portimão club, a move permitted by regulations between teams from the same district association.

“We were taken aback by an agreement to transfer sporting rights between Imortal BC and Portimonense SC, which was accepted and validated by the FPB (...) We find the speed of this decision to allocate the spot, concerning such a delicate matter and one without recent precedent, quite strange,” wrote Vasco da Gama. The club finished 11th in this year's championship, making them the best-placed team to claim the Algarve club's spot once applications opened for teams without sporting rights.

“Money has overshadowed on-court performance. We competed with great pride last year, filled arenas, and won 6 games, proving that budgets don't play the game. We honored a centenary club, a historic name in the sport that, after 40 years, returned to the highest level of National Basketball as Proliga Champions. We don't seek favors or compassion. We demand sporting justice and truth, based on what happens within the four lines, not on deals made behind the scenes,” the document concluded.