By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
EuroLeague changed this summer, and the connection to the domestic leagues is practically gone. Jordi Bertomeu talked on the matter on Friday in Athens, and he highlighted the goals of a London-based team and a CBA with the EuroLeague players.
However, his mention on “16 licenses” while speaking about his vision for the future of the league was overlooked. This is something which must be voted by the clubs in the future to become a reality, but it’s more than a possible path for the EuroLeague.
EuroLeague needs stability, and on that front, talks with FIBA are bound to start sooner than later. That’s why the 18-team format with 16 clubs having longterm licenses and two licenses awarded via the EuroCup is continuously gaining ground.
The expansion to 20 teams seems to be off the table for the moment. On the contrary, having the EuroCup as the only way to enter the EuroLeague makes sense for the clubs involved in the decision-making process. For the 2020-21 season, three wild cards will be awarded in addition to the 11 licensed club and the two associated wild cards of ASVEL and FC Bayern Munich.
Unless something dramatic happens, expect those wildcards to morph in the near future into five more long-term licenses.