Ayrton Oneill
The EuroLeague is a prestigious men's professional basketball club competition in Europe. It is considered the top-tier league in Europe and is currently sponsored by Turkish Airlines. The league consists of 20 teams, 16 of which are given long-term licenses and wild cards. To join the EuroLeague, one must be a part of a top European professional club basketball competition. The EuroCup, for example, is EuroLeague Basketball's secondary competition, and the two finalists of the EuroCup qualify for the next season's EuroLeague. Additionally, there are various multi-national leagues in Europe that can serve as a pathway to the EuroLeague, such as the VTB United League, the Baltic Basketball League, and the BNXT League. EuroProBasket is also mentioned as a great place for anyone who wants to start a professional basketball career and gain exposure to European basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of teams | 20 |
| Format | 16 teams play each other in the regular season, followed by the playoffs |
| Licence | 16 teams are given long-term licences and wild cards |
| Sponsorship | Turkish Airlines |
| Prize | The two finalists of the EuroCup qualify for the next season's EuroLeague |
| History | Established in 1958 as the FIBA European Champions Cup, renamed to FIBA EuroLeague in 1996, and then Euroleague Basketball in 2000 |
| Organisers | FIBA (1958-2000), ULEB (2000), Euroleague Basketball (2000-present) |
| Reputation | Top-tier and most prestigious men's basketball league in Europe |
| Notable teams | Real Madrid, CSKA Moscow, Panathinaikos, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Olympiacos, Kinder Bologna |
| Related organisations | Europrobasket, Eurobasket |
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What You'll Learn
The history of the EuroLeague
The EuroLeague is a European men's professional basketball club competition, widely recognised as the most prestigious men's basketball league in Europe. The league consists of 20 teams, 16 of which are given long-term licences and wild cards, making the league a semi-closed league.
In 2000, Euroleague Basketball was created, taking over the European professional club competitions. The authority in European professional basketball was divided between FIBA and Euroleague Basketball, with top clubs split between the two leagues. In May 2001, Europe had two continental champions, one from each league, and it was decided to unify the competitions under Euroleague Basketball's umbrella. Euroleague Basketball has organised the EuroLeague competition since the 2000-01 season, backed by ULEB.
The ULEB (Union des Ligues Européennes de Basket-Ball) was established on June 25, 1991, in Rome, Italy, by the professional basketball leagues of Italy, France and Spain. In 1996, the Greek League was the first to join the three founders. ULEB currently represents 11 professional basketball leagues from across Europe, with leagues from countries such as Portugal, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic having been members in the past.
In November 2015, Euroleague Basketball and IMG agreed on a 10-year joint venture, managing the commercial operation and global rights of the league. The league changed into a true league format, with 16 teams playing each other in the regular season followed by the playoffs. Euroleague Commercial Assets S.A. (ECA), founded in 2006, is the limited liability company that runs and operates the EuroLeague and EuroCup competitions.
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How to join as a player
The EuroLeague is a prestigious men's professional basketball club competition in Europe. It is considered the top-tier league in Europe and is currently sponsored by Turkish Airlines. The league consists of 20 teams, 16 of which are given long-term licenses and wild cards.
If you want to become a EuroLeague player, here are some steps you can take:
Develop Your Skills and Basketball IQ
European coaches and teams look for players with a high basketball IQ and a polished game. Focus on developing your shooting, playmaking, and consistency. Good passing is essential, and you should aim to have a well-rounded understanding of the game and the ability to make quick and effective decisions on the court.
Join a Basketball Academy or Overseas Program
Consider joining a basketball academy or overseas program, such as EuroProBasket, which offers advanced facilities and provides players with opportunities to start their professional careers in Europe. These programs often guarantee exposure to international players, coaches, and teams, helping you build a network and gain experience in the European basketball scene.
Compete in National and International Leagues
Participate in national leagues within your country and aim to join one of the strongest leagues in Europe, such as Spain's Liga ACB, Turkey's BSL, Russia's VTB United League, or Italy's LBA. These leagues contribute multiple clubs to the EuroLeague each season, increasing your chances of being scouted.
Advance Through Multi-National Leagues
Look into multi-national leagues in Europe, such as the ABA League (Adriatic League), which consists of clubs from the former Yugoslavia, or the VTB United League, which primarily includes Russian clubs along with teams from nearby countries. Winning or performing exceptionally in these leagues can serve as a pathway to qualifying for the EuroLeague in the following season.
Gain Exposure and Build a Network
Attend tournaments, showcases, and camps that attract top NCAA universities and overseas clubs and teams. L'Alqueria del Basket in Valencia, Spain, for example, is known for hosting important basketball tournaments and is home to the best international basketball academy. Increasing your exposure and building a network can enhance your chances of being noticed by EuroLeague scouts and coaches.
Remember, becoming a EuroLeague player requires hard work, dedication, and a growth mindset. Always be willing to learn, improve, and showcase your unique skills and talents.
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How to join as a club
There are a variety of basketball leagues in Europe that clubs can join. The EuroLeague is widely recognised as the top-tier and most prestigious men's basketball league in Europe. It consists of 20 teams, 16 of which are given long-term licences and wild cards, making the league semi-closed. The league was first organised by FIBA in 1958, then by ULEB in 2000, and now by Euroleague Basketball. The FIBA European Champions Cup was originally established by FIBA and operated from 1958 until 2000, concluding with the 1999-2000 season. The EuroLeague title has been won by 22 clubs, 15 of which have won it more than once. The most successful club in the competition is Real Madrid, with 11 titles.
In addition to the EuroLeague, there are other multinational leagues in Europe. The ABA League, commonly called the Adriatic League, began in 2001 and consists of clubs from the former Yugoslavia (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia). At different times, the league has also included clubs from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Israel. Clubs generally also compete in their own national leagues in the same season, after the conclusion of the ABA League season. The winner of the league qualifies for the next season's EuroLeague. The VTB United League is made up of mostly Russian clubs, as well as a few clubs from Belarus and Kazakhstan. It serves as the top division of the Russian national league system. Other multinational leagues in Europe have included the North European Basketball League (1999-2003), the Baltic Basketball League (2004-2018), and the Central European Basketball League (2008-2010).
Each country in Europe also has its own league system, with various divisions that involve promotion and relegation, as well as playoffs following the regular season. For example, the Spanish Liga ACB contributes the most, three to four clubs, to the EuroLeague each season.
In terms of specific steps for a club to join a European basketball league, the process is not clearly defined and may vary depending on the league. However, it generally involves meeting certain criteria and applying for membership. For example, in the case of the EuroLeague, there are long-term licences and wild cards that are given to 16 out of the 20 teams in the league. Additionally, as mentioned by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, there may be slots for teams to play their way into the league by performing well in their national league or FIBA's Basketball Champions League. It is important to note that the planning for a new European league is still in its early stages, and nothing has been agreed upon yet.
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The league's format and rules
The EuroLeague is a European men's professional basketball club competition. It is widely recognised as the most prestigious men's basketball league in Europe. The league consists of 20 teams, 16 of which are given long-term licences and wild cards. These 16 teams play each other in the regular season, followed by the playoffs.
The EuroLeague was first organized by FIBA in 1958, then by ULEB in 2000, and since then solely by Euroleague Basketball. The competition was introduced in 1958 as the FIBA European Champions Cup, which was renamed the FIBA EuroLeague in 1996. FIBA had used the EuroLeague name since 1996 but had never trademarked it. The competition was therefore renamed the FIBA SuproLeague in 2000, and Euroleague Basketball was created.
EuroLeague is considered a semi-closed league. The EuroCup is Euroleague Basketball's secondary competition and is currently made up of 20 teams from across Europe. The two finalists of the EuroCup qualify for the next season's EuroLeague.
In addition to EuroLeague and EuroCup, there are other multi-national leagues in Europe, including the VTB United League, the Balkan International Basketball League, and the European North Basketball League. Each country also has its own league system, with various divisions involving promotion and relegation, as well as playoffs following the regular season.
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EuroLeague vs. FIBA
The EuroLeague is a European men's professional basketball club competition. It is widely recognised as the top-tier and most prestigious men's basketball league in Europe. The league consists of 18 teams, of which 16 are given long-term licences and wild cards, making the league a semi-closed league. The EuroLeague was first organised by FIBA in 1958, then by ULEB in 2000, and subsequently by Euroleague Basketball. The competition was introduced in 1958 as the FIBA European Champions Cup, which operated under FIBA's umbrella until Euroleague Basketball was created for the 2000-01 season. The FIBA European Champions Cup and the EuroLeague are considered to be the same competition, with the change of name being simply a re-branding.
FIBA Europe and EuroLeague Basketball have historically had a dispute over control of the Europe-wide club basketball competitions. FIBA established EuroLeague in 1958 but never trademarked the name, which was later taken over by Euroleague Basketball. In 1996, the competition was renamed to FIBA EuroLeague. However, in 2000, ULEB, representing the richest and most popular European basketball clubs from Spain, Italy and Greece, decided to take over the competition under the name of ULEB Euroleague, against FIBA's will. As a result, FIBA responded by launching its new SuproLeague competition. Most of the leading clubs joined EuroLeague, but some stayed with FIBA. In 2001, FIBA agreed to give up control of Europe's top competition, and the 2001-02 Euroleague was a unified competition with ULEB as the main organiser.
EuroLeague has been criticised by FIBA as well as several national federations for creating a 'closed league' and ignoring the principle of meritocracy. In July 2019, EuroLeague announced that there would be no direct access to the league through domestic leagues anymore. This has led to speculations about the NBA expanding to Europe and potentially creating a rival league to the EuroLeague. The NBA and FIBA have met and expressed their intention to unite the sport, but no concrete details have emerged.
FIBA Europe currently organises two Europe-wide competitions: the Basketball Champions League, which is their highest competition, and the Europe Cup, which is their secondary competition. The winner of the ABA League, consisting of clubs from the former Yugoslavia, also qualifies for the next season's EuroLeague.
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Frequently asked questions
The EuroLeague is a European men's professional basketball club competition. It is widely recognised as the top-tier and the most prestigious men's basketball league in Europe.
The EuroLeague consists of 20 teams, of which 16 are given long-term licences and wild cards.
To join the EuroLeague, you must first join a team that competes in the league. You can improve your chances of joining a EuroLeague team by attending academies such as EuroProBasket, which help young players score their shot at going pro with the most advanced overseas basketball facilities in Europe.
