EuroLeague Expands to 20 Teams for 2025-26 Season

On the 3rd of July, the EGA General Assembly made a decision, confirming the expansion of the EuroLeague. From the 2025-26 season, the league will grow from 18 to 20 teams, meaning that 38 rounds will be played (instead of 34). This move shows a strategic shift to broader commercial growth, global reach, and the inclusive structure of this renowned tournament. EuroLeague now allows more participants to show their skills and compete on the international scene.

Teams Joining EuroLeague in 2025

Being a European tournament, the basketball league continues to expand. In 2025, Dubai Basketball and Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv join the competition, which promises to be hot. In addition, Valencia Basket, a familiar name in the EuroLeague, returns to games after a three-year break. The Israeli team secured a one-year license, and the squad from the UAE has taken a notable step by signing a five-year agreement.

This shift is made to boost the league’s attractiveness and popularise it outside the continent. Clubs with established reputations, such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Olympiacos, are still the leaders on European betting sites at NonGamStopBets and are projected to show strong performance during the upcoming games. They continually maintain their leadership in the basketball arena, which will make the season even more exciting.

A New Format Matching the Expansion

The increase in the number of teams participating in EuroLeague calls for scheduling changes. Before, teams played 34 matches, and this number will increase to 38 starting from the 2025-26 season. The round-robin format of the competition will remain relevant, but the EuroLeague will increase the double-game weeks from seven to nine. The regular season is scheduled to begin on the 30th of September 2025 and will last until mid-April 2026.

After the fast-paced action that will finish on the 17th of April, the six best teams will enter the playoffs. Clubs that hold from seventh to tenth position will also compete at the Play-In Showdown for the last two places in the final competition. The best-of-five quarterfinals will be held immediately after, marking four top teams that reach the Final Four at the end of May. The third-place game has been eliminated, which is projected to simplify the competition and focus on the main action.

The Strategic Look at EuroLeague Expansion

Going beyond European borders and popularising the tournament on other continents is the most evident reason for an increased number of teams. The participation of the Dubai club marks a serious step in the Middle East. This region boasts high financial potential, corresponding infrastructure, and the growing demand for basketball among populations. Participation of local athletes in EuroLeague opens up more ways for fan engagement and new sponsorships, essential for the competition’s further evolution.

The entrance of Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv deepens the competitive landscape in Israel, providing the country with the opportunity to promote players internationally. It’s not the only team participating in EuroLeague: Maccabi Tel Aviv entered the league many years ago. With this shift, on-court competition will become more intense, driving more basketball fans to the screens. With 20 teams in the tournament, the EuroLeague creates more opportunities for emerging athletes to show their talents and obtain more career prospects than ever before.

Managing Competitive Balance and Financial Stability

The EuroLeague is the largest European basketball competition, and its growth comes with significant responsibilities. Maintaining competitiveness in the global market without financial overreach is among the key focus areas in 2025. The league has recently introduced Competitive Balance Standards (CBS).

According to updated requirements, the Basic Remuneration level is raised from €8 million to €10 million. This shift is projected to help clubs structure payments better and eliminate situations when higher-paid teams are simply outspending smaller ones. These transitional spending caps will be integrated soon, but the final transfer is predicted to occur in 2027-2028.

Fan Reaction and Potential Challenges

Undoubtedly, passionate basketball lovers are inspired by the fact that the EuroLeague will now last longer, featuring more games and contenders. This shift is especially advantageous for residents of the UAE and Israel, who can now support their countrymen during one of the major tournaments. On the contrary, this shift creates some concerns. The higher potential for player injuries due to the expanded number of games: the 38-match season and the playoffs implies higher physical strain.

In addition, traditional fans are not satisfied with the entrance of markets like Dubai to the former European championship. They are confident that the league has the potential to lose its historical identity. Cultural peculiarities and atmosphere at home stadiums are important for the tournament, and the global expansion can affect its initial spirit.

The Final Word

The latest EuroLeague expansion to 20 teams for the 2025-26 season marks a move to a global reach. Participation of teams from Dubai and Tel Aviv changes the event’s format and increases its competitiveness internationally. With more games and updated regulations like CBS, the league balances growth with inclusivity and equal opportunities for players from different countries.