Crucial EuroLeague meeting scheduled, featuring vote for Dubai / News - Basketnews.com

EuroLeague is expected to make a conclusive decision on the expansion project to Dubai next week, sources tell BasketNews.

Credit: Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

EuroLeague shareholders are scheduled to hold an important meeting in Barcelona next week to address several pivotal questions, including whether to expand to Dubai, per BasketNews sources.

Dejan Bodiroga

Position:SFAge:51Height:205 cmWeight:110 kgBirth place:Zrenjanin, SerbiaProfileNewsStatistics

The meeting is scheduled to take place on March 12th and 13th, sources tell BasketNews.

Dubai's long-term participation is one of the major topics up for discussion. According to sources, a vote is expected to determine their entry into next year's competition.

The most likely scenario involves the new team in Dubai starting from the EuroCup in the upcoming 2024-25 season. This period is seen as a potentially transitional year to prepare for the team's EuroLeague debut in the following 2025-26 season.

The meeting in Barcelona is not expected to discuss other potential EuroLeague wild cards for the immediate future, as these discussions are anticipated to occur in the next meetings.

Partizan's General Manager, Zoran Savic,actively building its case for a long-term license for Belgrade's team, previously indicated that such discussions might occur in April.

Another central question concerns the continuity of Paulius Motiejunas in his role as CEO.

There is an expectation that EuroLeague shareholders will aim to define his long-term future in this position. Motiejunas and EuroLeague president Dejan Bodiroga were appointed to be in charge of the competition for a one-year agreement.

Motiejunas, after assuming the role, expressed his intention to introduce the CEO's tenure and terms to ensure stability in the crucial managing position of the EuroLeague. While the specific project defining the term for the CEO's position remains unclear, it is anticipated that Motiejunas will continue, given the satisfaction of most shareholders with his work this season, sources tell BasketNews.

Motiejunas' success in uniting EuroLeague shareholders and gaining their trust has been highlighted as a significant achievement. This cohesion is crucial for establishing consistent leadership moving forward, particularly in light of expansion and impending IMG contract negotiations, with the current deal expiring in 2026.

Furthermore, the shareholders are expected to be introduced to the idea of presenting Abu Dhabi as a potential host for the EuroLeague Final Four for three consecutive years. With Berlin confirmed to host the EuroLeague Final Four in 2024, the hosts for the following events remain unclear.

EuroLeague is also set to discuss the latest developments in the ongoing discussions with FIBA regarding potential closer cooperation, including the EuroCup and Basketball Champions League merger.

In addition to the main topics, the meeting is expected to address other internal regulation processes that have been under consideration for an extended period. One such consideration is a financial fair play project that could potentially implement so-called luxury tax rules in the future.

Midway through the season, Motiejunas mentioned that he wants to approve the financial fair play guidance and provide clear directions already this season, aiming to allow clubs more time to prepare for its establishment in the coming years.

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