Euroleague is the major
all-European club competition. For many years it used to be called European Cup of
Champions. That time each country could select only one team (champion) to represent them
in this cup. Today Euroleague has changed not only it's name but also it's structure and
promotion rules. Now Euroleague gathers the best European clubs. 24 teams play in 3
stages. The first one includes 4 groups of 6 teams. The second stage is similar to the
first one except teams play in different groups. The last phase is playoffs with the Final
Four. The winning team is the European Club Champion. There is a limit of teams in
Euroleague. The criteria of selecting teams depends on club performances in all three
European cups (also EuroCup and Korac Cup). Top countries of that list can select up to
three teams to Euroleague. The teams placed last in Euroleague are automatically relegated
and can play in other European cups the next season. Euroleague still lacks stability in
the rules. The structure changes very often, especially in the last couple of years.
Euroleague is the most popular league in Europe and second in the world only to the NBA in
finances and quality of players. In fact Euroleague is also called the European NBA.
SuproLeague Competition Format
The Board has approved the proposal by the clubs to play in two groups of 10 in
a round robin system in Round 1. An additional Play-Off Round before the Quarter
Final Play-Off and Final Four will be presented to the General Assembly of the
Clubs on 16th July in Munich. The final calendar will be presented at the draw. SuproLeague Final Four The Board has decided to withdraw the assignment of the organisation of next
years Final Four from the city of Vitoria, Spain. The Board has also decided
to reopen the bid for next seasons Final Four to the 14 National Federations
who have registered clubs in the SuproLeague. SuproLeage Club proposals approved
The Board has approved the other proposals made by the clubs on the meeting on
22nd of June in Munich:
Classification Criteria 2001/2002 season:
In addition to the clubs who have a position for the next 3 seasons, the
following classification criteria is foreseen:
1 spot for Greece and Italy each
2 spots for the federations of the Final Four finalists of the previous season.
2 spots for the federations of the Saporta Cup finalists of the previous season.
6 spots (if 20 clubs) or 10 spots (if 24 clubs) for clubs to be invited.
The principle that no more than 3 clubs from one federation may participate will
remain. All clubs who want to take part in the SuproLeague must take part in
their respective national championships.
Refereeing:
The 2 man officiating system, as per the current rules in FIBA competitions,
will stay.
Player eligibility:
2 players of any given nationality can be exchanged in one season whenever
requested until 72 hours before the start of the second leg of the First Round.
Players will be allowed to change from one SuproLeague club to another
SuproLeague club within one season under the given deadline and change limits.
Team makeup:
The number of players which can be used in a SuproLeague game has been raised to
12. A minimum of 10 players have to be suited up to play. Position versus ULEB and clubs registered with ULEB The Board has confirmed that national federations, players or coaches who
are registered with a competition organised by a body who is not a member of
FIBA can take part in FIBA competitions.
Clubs who are registered with a competition organised by a body that is not a
member of FIBA, cannot participate in any other FIBA competition
The national federations have been asked to redefine their Bye Laws in the
context of their relation to the National Leagues.
It has also been confirmed, that referees who officiate in the ULEB competition
cannot officiate in FIBA competitions and in their national championships.
