Latest news with #EuroCup
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Euroleague CEO Motiejunas reaffirms commitment to pair of Israeli teams
'I think in the upcoming season we focus on three main elements: growth, stability, and purpose,' Motiejunas began. 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. Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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. Advertisement '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.' Advertisement '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. Advertisement '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.'
Vancouver Sun
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
How to watch FIFA Club World Cup soccer in Canada
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. This summer FIFA is back in action, and fans will get a chance to witness some of the best players on the planet battle it out in the FIFA Club World Cup. Stars like Messi, Mbappe and Haaland will attempt to win it all, and there's only one place in Canada where you'll be able to watch every match: on the sports streaming service DAZN. What: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 When: June 14 – July 13, 2025 Price: Payment plans start from $24.99/month or $249.99/year How to watch: DAZN Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Much like the World Cup or the Euro Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup is a soccer (or football, as much as the world calls it) competition between the world's greatest football clubs. As part of the tournament, 32 teams from all six of FIFA's major leagues—UEFA (Europe), CONMEBOL (South America), AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), Concacaf (North and Central America) and OFC (Oceania)—compete for their shot at international glory. The event was previously held annually, but beginning in 2025 the competition will now take place once every four years. This year's competition includes 63 games played over 29 days, beginning on June 14, 2025. All games of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be available to stream exclusively with a DAZN subscription . While both paid and free subscriptions grant access to watch, a paid DAZN membership offers reduced ads, exclusive highlights and behind-the-scenes content, full game replays, downloads and more member bonuses. The paid subscription also includes access to other major league sports throughout the year like MLB network streaming, NFL football, UFC matches and more. DAZN works on the following mobile devices, TVs and game consoles (see the full list here ): Mobile devices — iPhone , iPad , Android phones and tablets, Amazon Fire tablet TV and streaming devices — Amazon Fire TV , Amazon Fire TV Stick , Apple TV , Google TV Streamer , Roku , LG Smart TV , Samsung Smart TV , Sony Smart TV Game consoles — Microsoft Xbox consoles , Sony PlayStation consoles Catch every match-up of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a DAZN subscription. What: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 When: June 14 – July 13, 2025 Price: Payment plans start from $24.99/month or $249.99/year How to watch: DAZN Shopping Essentials , a category written by research-obsessed shopping fanatics, is now on . Explore in-depth product reviews, expert recommendations and exciting collaborations — plus get behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and trending products — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter . kmendonca@
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Four leading British basketball clubs blocked from Europe as civil war deepens
The BBF has made it clear it will not back London Lions' bid to join the EuroCup. The BBF has made it clear it will not back London Lions' bid to join the EuroCup. Photograph: Carol Moir/Alamy The civil war engulfing British Basketball has intensified with the British Basketball Federation attempting to block four of the country's leading clubs from competing in Europe next season. The Guardian has learned that the BBF is refusing to endorse applications for European places made by Manchester Basketball, London Lions, Newcastle Eagles and Bristol Flyers, which has put their participation at risk. Advertisement Related: Hoop dreams in peril as British basketball's crisis reaches boiling point In another development, it is being claimed that the BBF is threatening to thwart visa applications for overseas players for next season made by a number of Super League Basketball clubs. The BBF and clubs are at loggerheads after the governing body last month awarded a 15-year licence to operate a new Great Britain Basketball League from the 2026-27 season to an American consortium led by the former NBA executive Marshall Glickman. The nine existing SLB clubs are refusing to join, and have had their interim licence to run their own league next season suspended by the BBF. In an attempt to resolve matters it is understood that the BBF last week offered the SLB another 12-month licence that would enable the league to operate next season, a proposal that was rejected by the clubs. Advertisement The BBF's position is that as the SLB is operating without a licence it cannot endorse applications to join competitions organised by the Federation of International Basketball Associations, as doing so would jeopardise their own position. The BBF has informed Manchester that their application to join Europe's premier competition, the Basketball Champions League, would not be endorsed and the club have now missed the deadline to register. An email from the BBF to Manchester sent earlier this week read: 'As Fiba's national member federation, the BBF will only endorse clubs competing in our officially sanctioned national championship competitions. Since notification of termination of the licence held by Super League Basketball Ltd has been issued, Manchester does not currently meet this requirement for the 2025-26 season. We are therefore unable to consider endorsement at this time.' Manchester are exploring legal action on the grounds of restraint of trade, while the BBF also faces the threat of being sued by the other clubs over the GBBL licensing process. The other SLB clubs are believed to be united in their support for Manchester. Advertisement The BBF has also made it clear that it will not back the Lions' bid to join Europe's second-tier competition, the EuroCup. In addition, the governing body is not supporting attempts by the Eagles and the Flyers to join the European North Basketball League. Those competitions are not organised by Fiba, however, so it is unclear at this stage whether the BBF can block them. The BBF rejects claims that it is blocking visa applications, an allegation the federation regards as symptomatic of the entitlement of certain clubs. As the sport's governing body the BBF is charged with submitting governing body endorsements for potential overseas signings to the Home Office, and feels it is unable to do so for unlicensed clubs. The BBF declined to comment. A spokesperson for the London Lions told The Guardian: 'The London Lions stand unequivocally for the principle that British clubs should have the freedom to pursue excellence wherever it exists, to grow the game on the biggest stages. 'We hope that the decision to keep Manchester Basketball Club out of Basketball Champions League is reversed, which will allow growth of professional basketball in the UK, providing opportunities for British athletes, coaches, and clubs to compete at the highest level.'
Newsweek
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
EuroLeague Team Denies Interest in Russell Westbrook
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The NBA offseason is shaping up to be one that many will remember for years to come. The 2019 offseason was one for the books, as it involved a significant amount of player movement that has somewhat shaped the league as it is today. More NBA news: Russell Westbrook Could Receive Unprecedented Offer From EuroLeague Team: Report The 2025 offseason could have a similar impact, shaping the league's landscape for the next half-decade or so. Many superstars will be at the forefront of the summer, including former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. Westbrook declined his player option for the 2025-26 season with the Denver Nuggets and will be an unrestricted free agent in a few weeks. His market is unclear, but one thing that is clear: EuroLeague powerhouse Hapoel Tel Aviv is not interested in the nine-time All-Star. Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets stands on the court before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena on April 2, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets stands on the court before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena on April 2, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Photo byInitial reports suggest that Hapoel Tel Aviv was set to offer Westbrook a historic contract, but the team announced that there was never any interest in signing Westbrook. "To be serious – it's not true. There was no interest, and no one approached him." Hapoel Tel Aviv says they have zero interest in Russell Westbrook 'To be serious – it's not true. There was no interest, and no one approached him.' (h/t @TalkBasket ) — NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2025 The Israeli club is coming off a EuroCup title, and initial reports suggested that they would be interested in acquiring Westbrook. Westbrook has a $3.4 million player option for next season, and after a strong showing this past year. The 36-year-old quietly put together a productive season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 44.9 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from beyond the arc across 75 games. While he's no longer the explosive MVP force he once was in Oklahoma City, Westbrook still finds ways to impact the team's winning efforts. His effort, energy, and ability to shift momentum in spurts were evident during his time in Denver, and it wouldn't be surprising if another team offers him a meaningful role. The former UCLA standout just wrapped up his 17th NBA season and has now appeared in 1,237 career games. The nine-time All-NBA guard could gain a ton of traction amongst NBA teams as free agency approaches. More NBA news: Grizzlies Star Ja Morant Addresses Trade Speculation Amid NBA Finals Dell Curry Drops Major Update on Steph Curry's NBA Future Kevin Durant Was Reportedly Interested in Joining Celtics at Deadline Lakers' LeBron James Provides Crucial Update on Knee Injury Caitlin Clark Talks Shooting Contest With LeBron James and Steph Curry For more Russell Westbrook and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Web Release
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Belgian Café at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City Brings Back the Ultimate Match Day Experience with Live FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Screenings
Following the roaring success of last year's football season, Belgian Café at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is once again set to become a vibrant hub for sports lovers as it hosts live screenings of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, running from 15 June to 13 July. A fan-favorite during every major tournament, Belgian Café has built a loyal following of football enthusiasts who return year after year to relive the thrill of the game in a setting that feels like home. Last summer's Euro Cup screenings turned Belgian Café into a go-to destination for football fans across Dubai, creating an electric atmosphere filled with cheers, camaraderie, and memorable moments that captured the true spirit of the game. 'At Belgian Café, watching football goes beyond the game, it's about a sense of community. It's the shared energy, the passion in every cheer, and the lasting memories made with every goal and gathering. Over the years, the café has become a beloved home for sports fans, and we look forward to welcoming them back for another unforgettable season,' said Thomas Schmelter, Area General Manager for IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City. Now, the stage is set once again. Guests can expect the same electric atmosphere—enhanced by a massive HD screen, energetic crowds, a delicious European menu, and a wide selection of craft and draft beverages. Whether you're there for the kick-off or the final whistle, Belgian Café promises an immersive football experience that combines the best of sport, food, and friendship. Indoor and terrace seating options are available, and guests are encouraged to arrive early or book in advance. Match schedules will be shared via Belgian Café's social media platforms to help fans plan their visit. For more information, please visit Follow us:
