BCL and EuroCup merger plans revealed: expected start date and format / News - Basketnews.com

FIBA and ECA are in advanced negotiations for a merger between BCL and EuroCup, set to take place in the 2025-26 season with 36 teams and a proposed promotion and relegation system.

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

FIBA and Euroleague Basketball are currently in "very advanced negotiations" for a potential merger between the Basketball Champions League (BCL) and EuroCup, as reported by the Spanish media outlet La Opinion de Malaga.

BasketNews sources suggest that the merger is expected to take place in the 2025-26 season. According to BasketNews sources, 36 teams are expected to participate in the first season.

Additionally, there are plans for a promotion and relegation system within the tournament, according to La Opinion de Malaga.

It's yet to be decided whether the Euroleague Basketball or FIBA will be the governing body of the competition and TV rights, BasketNews sources indicate.

In a Thursday meeting held in Mies, Switzerland, the BCL's Club Council, consisting of 11 teams, discussed the competition's future moves, both in the short and long term.

Jorge Garbajosa, the President of FIBA Europe, addressed the merger topic in a recent meeting with European basketball media.

"We discussed about it in the previous meeting, and we will keep discussing about it. I would not name it 'a merger' competition because we have to define it," he noted. "It is because we are talking about broadcasting contracts, the sponsorship name, sponsorship contract.

"So, we are there as FIBA Europe, but the important thing is we have to understand that, in my personal opinion, four competitions are too many. If we understand the FIBA Europe Cup, if we understand the EuroLeague as a mass competition, we have to really find how to combine bodies," Garbajosa added.

URBONUS podcast

Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.