Euroleague CEO Motiejunas reaffirms commitment to pair of Israeli teams
The 2025/26 Euroleague season is still three months away, but the continent's biggest basketball competition has already made several changes for the upcoming campaign, to the delight of many fans. CEO Paulius Motiejunas discussed a myriad of topics regarding what to expect.
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From new teams in new countries to an expanded schedule, as well as the latest news concerning Israel's two participants – Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv – Motiejunas touched on it all.
The league will expand from 18 to 20 teams this season, adding four more games to each team's schedule. Hapoel Tel Aviv and Dubai have joined the Euroleague, while Valencia will also be part of the competition, moving over from the EuroCup. The first Euroleague team from the United Arab Emirates enters with a five-year contract, while Valencia has been granted a three-year deal. Hapoel Tel Aviv joins the league after winning the EuroCup this past season.
'I think in the upcoming season we focus on three main elements: growth, stability, and purpose,' Motiejunas began.
'We announced that we're going to 20 teams next season. It's a huge step for us as a competition. It doesn't seem like much, but it's also a geographical expansion. It's more games in total. More games for the teams. But it's a well-thought-out and calculated decision. We really look forward to that.'
Euroleague CEO Paulius Motiejunas. (credit: Euroleague/Courtesy Sports)
'We took a brave decision last season to move the Final Four outside the European market. We're really happy with the outcome we had. We opened new markets. We opened the market in the Middle East even more with Dubai joining the competition.'
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Qualifiers will face conflicts
With more games comes a scheduling challenge that will include a number of 'Double Weeks,' and the FIBA International Windows for qualifiers will also face conflicts.
'We're shifting the games to Tuesday–Thursday in November to keep that window open for international games. We analyzed doing that in February as well, but then we have to deal with the domestic cups. After cup competitions, some countries' teams play three games in four days and finish on Sunday. If we play games on Tuesday–Wednesday, players would be playing four or five games in six days. It's physically impossible. We're taking into account the Euroleague Players Association, the teams, and doctors. The expansion decision was made after calculating everything.'
'We've shown flexibility, and we want to continue doing so. We mentioned that to FIBA. We'll remain flexible about bringing back the February window. It was impossible this season. It's unfortunate that so many things add up. I really believe we will find a solution. We'll try. We all have to look in the same direction – domestic leagues, federations, and so on.'
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Talks about NBA creating a European league
There has been recent talk about the NBA creating a European league, and Motiejunas acknowledged meetings with the Euroleague on the topic.
'We had a very constructive meeting with the NBA. We heard in Adam Silver's press conference that the project will probably be moved from 2026 to starting in 2028. We're trying to understand the plan and the opportunities they're exploring. What we don't want is fragmentation. That's the main thing we need to avoid. We should care about the fans and the product.
'The other message we keep saying is that we are open to collaboration. There's no need to create a new league. The Euroleague is open to working together. I really believe the only chance to move forward is to focus on what the clubs have already created here. I truly believe – and I know – we have the best European product. I don't see why anyone would try to create something new when we could instead work together to unlock opportunities. We are open to collaboration.'
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Status for Israeli teams in new season
Motiejunas also addressed the situation regarding the Israeli teams and their status for the new season, given the war with Iran and the conflict with Hamas that began on October 7, 2023.
'I'm happy we have quite some time until the start of the season. Being optimistic, we believe the situation will settle and peace will come. We've said the same with Ukraine. We continue to monitor the situation. The main thing is safety – safety of teams and fans. We're going to keep watching. As of now, we plan for the clubs to play in neutral venues. If the situation doesn't calm down, we'll make decisions to protect teams, fans, players, coaches, and everyone around the game.'
'I'd need psychic powers to see the future. But I really can't imagine a scenario without Israeli teams. It's Maccabi and Hapoel Tel Aviv, and also Hapoel Jerusalem in the EuroCup. Our main priority is safety. Our advantage is time, and we have to be optimistic. We are in touch with all other sports organizations and FIBA. We're analyzing what FIBA will do. Hopefully, everything becomes calmer and safer. Step one is playing in neutral venues. Step two, if there's peace and safety, is returning to home arenas. We must respect the fans in each country and for each team. That's a priority.'
As for the Tel Aviv Derby potentially being played in Israel, even if other games are abroad, Motiejunas didn't shut the door on the idea.
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'Openly, right now it's quite difficult to imagine. But hoping and being optimistic, yes. We would analyze that opportunity. I really miss the atmosphere of seeing Israeli fans in a full arena. It's as simple as that. I can't wait to see it again. The Hapoel Tel Aviv owner talked a lot about it. I remember how wonderful the atmosphere was in Maccabi's arena and I truly miss it. Seeing it, experiencing it – it's one of the best places to watch basketball.'
Three-year licenses in Euroleague
The two Serbian clubs, Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade, were each granted three-year licenses in the Euroleague – but not permanent ones – despite their massive fan bases and the unparalleled excitement they bring.
'The Serbian clubs have been part of the Euroleague for many years. Whether we see them as permanent, or what decisions will keep them beyond the three years, of course, we'll work on that. But we also need to consider clubs like Valencia, Virtus Bologna, Monaco, and others that want to be part of the Euroleague permanently. When I say permanently, the first on the list is Paris Basketball. We've had discussions with them about becoming a permanent member.'
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'Monaco is still playing as a former EuroCup champion,' Motiejunas continued, referring to the Principality's team, which currently doesn't have a long-term Euroleague contract.
'This is one more year where we have two EuroCup clubs – Hapoel Tel Aviv and Monaco. That's why we're focused on this season as it is. Rest assured, we deeply value what Monaco and its owner have done. We're in talks with the club. We see them in the league long-term. Step by step. There's no doubt they'll remain in the Euroleague for many years. They have one more year under the previous rules as EuroCup champions. We didn't want to change that; we wanted to follow the rule instead of extending the contract.'
'But this is still pending, and we'll continue discussions. We're optimistic about keeping them in the Euroleague after 2025/26. We see Monaco in the Euroleague long-term. If they want to be here permanently, of course they need an arena. We won't commit – and clubs won't commit – based on promises or discussions alone. We as a league are here to help them get the process going however possible. Now we must work hand in hand with the timing.'
Final Four in Abu Dhabi
The 2025 Final Four took place in Abu Dhabi, and it might not be the last time the league's crown jewel is held in the Middle East.
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'We'll make the decision much faster than we did last year. Last year was an exception. We return to Europe in 2026, and then we have an option to return to Abu Dhabi in 2027. Everybody is very satisfied with Abu Dhabi. The feedback is that it was the best Final Four. We're in talks with them on how to make the next one even better – because that was just the first one.'
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