Dušan Alimpijević in the EuroLeague!

It appears that Besiktas, led by our coach Dušan Alimpijević, will get their chance this season, with their entry into the competition having been anticipated for some time. Spanish outlet "Encestando" claims this is a done deal, while Lithuanian "BasketNews" adds that this option is considered the most likely within the EuroLeague.

However, an idea has also emerged to expand the league to 19 teams for the upcoming season, which would be unprecedented. This possibility was also mentioned at the previous EuroLeague meeting. In such a format, one team would have a bye each round, allowing players and teams more rest. The number of regular season games would decrease from 38 to 36, easing the congested schedule, a major topic in European basketball in recent years. While clubs and players would likely welcome such a decision, Besiktas hopes it won't come to pass. The final decision is expected at the June 26th meeting.

Monaco, holding a five-year license, will compete in the EuroCup next season. Their long-term goal is to return to the EuroLeague as a permanent member, with ambitions to position themselves for a future expansion of the competition to 24 teams, while simultaneously stabilizing finances and restructuring management and sponsorship agreements.

This will likely be the only change the EuroLeague introduces for the upcoming season. However, long-term plans are far more ambitious. An expansion to 24 clubs is planned for the 2027/28 season, and later to 30. The first phase of expansion would introduce up to eight new franchise clubs, in addition to the existing 13. In this initial "handing out of cards," Belgrade's eternal rivals, Partizan and Crvena Zvezda, are considered favorites to secure long-term licenses.