By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
On Thursday Euroleague CEO Jordi Bertomeu addressed the media in Valencia and the main question to him was the future of A licenses system in Euroleague and also the chances of Valencia getting one. The Eurocup finalist is the Spanish team which constantly knocks on Euroleague door during the last decade, having the disadvantage of being part of a domestic league with already four A licenses (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Laboral Kutxa and Unicaja Malaga) and it seems that the most secured way for them to get into the Euroleague next season continues to be winning the Eurocup.
According to Eurohoops sources, at least one A license will be up for grabs this summer, as Siena is in real danger of losing its “permanent” place in Euroleague – after all the club’s troubles are even bigger than remaining a part of Euroleague – and since EΑ7 Milano already has an A license which will be extended, there are very little chances of an other Italian club getting it.
The prime candidate for getting the A license is Galatasaray. It’s not a secret that the Turkish club is on the quest to secure a place in next season’s Euroleague after reaching the play offs and it has the resources and the fan support in order to gain a fixed spot in the top continental league for the coming years. Partizan is also trying to find a way to be a part of Euroleague next season after missing the chance to qualify directly via the ABA league final four, but an A license if out of reach for the Serbians because of the financial condition of the club.