EuroLeague board approves new pre-season event and confirms 2026-2027 format

Shareholders of EuroLeague Basketball have reached key decisions regarding the future structure of the competition during a meeting in Barcelona on April 14. The board approved the exploration of a new high-profile pre-season tournament, styled as a Super Cup, featuring the EuroLeague and EuroCup champions. This event, proposed as a Final Four, could take place in mid-September, with Middle Eastern countries expressing interest in hosting. Additionally, the EuroLeague will maintain its current competition format for the 2026-2027 season, featuring 20 teams and a 38-game regular season. The existing structure of direct qualification for the top six teams and play-in tournaments for seeds 7 through 10 remains in effect. Any potential expansion to 22 or 24 teams is postponed until at least the 2027-2028 season. Discussions also addressed team participation, noting potential vacancies due to Asvel's departure and Monaco's financial status, alongside contract negotiations with clubs such as Hapoel Tel Aviv, Paris, and Valencia. Discussions regarding long-term contracts for Real Madrid and Fenerbahce are ongoing.