NBA Issues Ultimatum to EuroLeague: Could Zvezda and Partizan Miss Out on Long-Term Licenses?

A high-stakes meeting that could define the future of European basketball is taking place at Lake Como on Tuesday, with discussions set to focus on which clubs will be granted permanent franchise status—with both Partizan and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet in contention.

The EuroLeague currently consists of 13 shareholder clubs, with plans previously in place to add eight more ahead of next season's anticipated expansion.

By the 2027–28 season, the EuroLeague is projected to feature 24 teams if current plans move forward. Guaranteed spots were expected to go to the current 13 licensed clubs along with the eight new members chosen in Como, expanding the league to 21 permanent franchises starting next season.

However, a last-minute twist could change everything.

In Como, both Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet and Partizan are vying for a long-term license alongside Dubai, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Hapoel Jerusalem, London Lions, Napoli, PAOK, Paris Basketball, Maxima Roma, Valencia, Virtus Bologna, and Aris.

While representatives from the 13 shareholder clubs gathered at Lake Como to vote on the expansion, the NBA has reportedly intervened.

It is well known that the NBA has significant European ambitions and is looking to establish a presence on the continent, either alongside the EuroLeague or independently. According to "La Gazzetta dello Sport," NBA executives have now issued an ultimatum to the EuroLeague.

The NBA is demanding that the existing structure remains unchanged, leaving the EuroLeague with only its current 13 shareholders. Should the EuroLeague accept the proposal, both Belgrade rivals would miss out on a transformative opportunity for Serbian basketball.

Alongside the ultimatum, the NBA is pressing the EuroLeague to finalize the matter immediately—informing all parties at Lake Como that shareholder status will stay strictly with Olimpia Milano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Fenerbahce, Anadolu Efes, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Bayern Munich, ASVEL, Baskonia, Zalgiris, and CSKA Moscow.

Whether this transpires will become clear once the decisive meeting at Lake Como concludes.

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