The landscape of the EuroLeague is poised for significant shifts, with Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv's EuroCup victory injecting uncertainty into the 2025-26 season's lineup. Their qualification for the EuroLeague raises questions about which current teams will retain their spots, especially if expansion plans don't materialize. This article delves into the complexities of EuroLeague's structure, the teams vying for coveted positions, and the potential implications of expansion or non-expansion.

EuroLeague's Current Structure: The EuroLeague boasts a core of 13 club-shareholders, including basketball powerhouses like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Olympiacos, and Fenerbahce. However, CSKA Moscow remains sidelined due to international sanctions. In addition to these shareholders, two licenses are allocated based on performance, with Monaco (a EuroCup qualifier with a strong track record) and Hapoel Tel Aviv currently holding these spots.

The Wildcard Contenders: With limited guaranteed spots, several teams are competing for wildcard entries. Paris, Partizan, Crvena Zvezda, Virtus Bologna, and ALBA Berlin are the primary contenders. Should the EuroLeague expand to 20 teams, Dubai BC and Valencia would also enter the mix. This creates a tense situation where some deserving clubs may be excluded.

The Cases of Virtus Bologna and ALBA Berlin: Paris, Partizan, and Crvena Zvezda are widely considered likely to secure their places, even with the proposed three-year license requiring a €5 million fee. Virtus Bologna is also considering this offer. However, changes within the Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group (owners of Virtus) and delays in the construction of a new arena complicate their situation.

ALBA Berlin faces an even more precarious situation. Once on track to become a shareholder, they lost this status after a change in EuroLeague management. Despite being known for fiscal responsibility, ALBA's future in the EuroLeague is uncertain, particularly if expansion doesn't occur. Rumors even suggest they might explore opportunities in the Basketball Champions League, potentially aligning with the NBA Europe project.

Expansion Scenarios: Dubai and Valencia: If the EuroLeague expands, Valencia and Dubai are strong candidates for inclusion. Valencia, already familiar with the EuroLeague, will soon benefit from the state-of-the-art Roig Arena, a €220 million venue with a 15,600-seat capacity. Dubai, after narrowly missing out on EuroLeague entry last season, may have to settle for EuroCup play in 2025-26 if expansion plans stall.

The Stakes: The EuroLeague stands at a crossroads. Expansion would accommodate more deserving teams and potentially broaden the league's reach. However, without expansion, difficult decisions must be made, leaving established clubs vulnerable. The coming months will be crucial in determining the final composition of the EuroLeague and the future trajectory of European basketball.