By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Reacting to reports regarding Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga and CEO Paulius Motiejunas meeting with leading executives of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet and Partizan Mozzart Bet, Euroleague Basketball released an official statement on Thursday.
The initial reports surfaced the possibility of initializing talks about penning the Belgrade giants to A-license contracts and the attached guaranteed spots in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague field. However, an expansion beyond a potential addition of a team based in Dubai seemed unlikely for the 2024-25 season, according to Eurohoops sources.
Per the press release: “In light of the recent articles published in several media outlets, Euroleague Basketball would like to state that: Euroleague Basketball President, Mr. Dejan Bodiroga and CEO, Mr. Paulius Motiejunas met with the executive members of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on Thursday, February 8, during their visit to Belgrade. The purpose of both meetings was to exchange ideas, review the ongoing and season evaluate future collaborations. Euroleague Basketball would like to thank both clubs for hosting its representation.”
EuroLeague ‘s statement on the visit to Belgrade pic.twitter.com/ACL6G7EfGH
— Aris Barkas (@arbarkas) February 8, 2024
A long-term license for Partizan and Crvena Zvezda has been a topic of discussion among fans, players, and coaches over recent years. Participation in Europe’s premier club continental competition currently depends on winning the AdmiralBet ABA League and getting a wild card.
The team sporting red and white has been a regular over the last five seasons since the 2019-20 edition of the EuroLeague. The black and whites resurfaced in 2022-23 following an absence stretching to eight years.