By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
After a lot of talks and a general assembly which was not in favor of the expansion, Olympiacos’ chances to join the Adriatic League seemed small. Still, Olympiacos is invited to the next general assembly.
However, according to Eurohoops sources, the whole plan to join the ABA League is almost abandoned due to the scheduling issues that the Olympic Games create for next season.
If Olympiacos joined the league and an expansion to 14 clubs was made, then all the domestic leagues of the former Yugoslavia countries should have also changed their schedule. That’s not possible for next season.
FIBA has asked from all leagues to complete their season by the 12th of June due to the Olympic Games and the pre-Olympic tournaments. The ABA Liga management contacted the Serbian league which informed them about the fact that there are simply no dates for an Adriatic League expansion. After this turn of events, Olympiacos understands that inclusion to the Adriatic League for next season is less than a longshot.
It has to be noted that both Olympiacos and the management of the league looked at the potential addition of the Reds as a great chance for the financial and commercial upgrade for both sides, but considering also the fact that next season the EuroLeague will expand to a 34-round regular season, there’s simply no room for that.