Turk Telekom remain in contention to play in EuroLeague next season / News - Basketnews.com

Newly elected EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas confirmed that Turk Telekom could still participate in the next season's EuroLeague, adding that the participating teams in the 2023-24 EuroLeague season should be confirmed on June 29.

Credit: Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Turk Telekom Ankara still have chances to play in the next season's EuroLeague, confirmed the newly elected CEO Paulius Motiejunas.

On Tuesday, Zalgiris Kaunas held a press conference where Paulius Jankunas was confirmed as the new club's GM, while Motiejunas talked about his departure to EuroLeague and his new position.

One of the topics was the possibility of Turk Telekom playing in the next EuroLeague campaign. Motiejunas confirmed that it remains a possibility.

"We'll talk with the clubs, all 18 teams from this season may remain in the upcoming one," Motiejunas said. "There's also a Turk Telekom question on the table. Everything should be clear on June 29 after the shareholders' meeting."

"Turk Telekom is on the list [to play in the next season's EuroLeague]," Motiejunas confirmed.

Turk Telekom lost the EuroCup final against Herbalife Gran Canaria. However, the Spanish club already confirmed that it will turn down the possibility of playing in the EuroLeague.

"Transitioning to the EuroLeague entails a significant increase in the number of games, moving from 18 to 34," Gran Canaria president Sitapha Savane explained. "In the EuroCup, teams enjoy a 3-day break between games, while in the EuroLeague, it's typically reduced to just two days."

"Moreover, there are seven double-round weeks during the EuroLeague season, with teams playing three games within a span of five days. To cope with such demanding schedules, charter flights have become a necessity. To illustrate this point, consider the case of Valencia Basket, whose budget increased from €500,000 to €1,500,000 upon joining the EuroLeague. In our case, the projected increase would be even higher, estimated at €2,025,000," Savane added.

As Motiejunas said, the participating teams in the 2023-24 EuroLeague season should be confirmed on June 29.

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