EuroLeague plans no expansion for 2024-25 season / News - Basketnews.com

EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas clarified that the league is not considering expansion for the 2024-25 season, refuting rumors about automatic wild card entries for Paris.

Credit: Teodoras Biliūnas/BNS, dpa/picture-alliance - Scanpix Credit Teodoras Biliūnas/BNS, dpa/picture-alliance - Scanpix

In a recent interview with S Sport, EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas shed light on the league's stance on expansion and ongoing negotiations with Dubai.

Motiejunas clarified that while London and Paris remain essential markets for the EuroLeague, the league is not considering expansion for the 2024-25 season.

"We are not going into expansion right now. We are not thinking about it for next season," the Lithuanian executive underlined. "Obviously, London and Paris are key markets we have always been talking about. This is a great opportunity to step in there, but we think it has not matured yet. We are happy that both markets have teams in the EuroCup. It is a first step to play in the EuroLeague."

Addressing rumors about Paris being a wild card owner for the EuroLeague next season, Motiejunas dispelled the misinformation.

He clarified that winning the EuroCup is the only pathway to entering the EuroLeague, dismissing claims of an automatic wild card entry.

"There is media saying that Paris will be a wild card owner for EuroLeague next season. It is not true," he emphasized. "If they win the EuroCup, they can be in the EuroLeague because that is the stepping stone. But it is a false information. We are analyzing the market, we are watching how the team is performing, and we are supporting them to play the EuroCup as all the other teams, but the talks about the wild card -- it is not true."

Motiejunas then reassured, "There are no plans to expand for next season," stressing that expansion is currently "a secondary issue for the league."

However, amid discussions of growth, Motiejunas revealed ongoing negotiations with Dubai. He described the talks as a negotiation process, expressing interest in the Middle East market.

"Yes, we are in talks with Dubai. It is a negotiation process. It is an interesting market. We are willing to analyze it," he said. "We are ready to make a presentation for the clubs once everything is finished. And we will decide. Obviously, the Middle East market is something that the NBA is looking at, football is looking at, and all the sports are looking at this market. EuroLeague is not an exception.

"They can host the teams and organize the games at the top-notch level," Motiejunas continued. "And on the other end, there is a market that we would unlock. Their approach is the same way. They know they can help the league grow and are willing to be involved in both organizing the games and looking for sponsorships. Again, it's a great partnership opportunity, but we need to analyze all the things."

Full interview:

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