EuroLeague Plans Three-Year Invitations for Belgrade Clubs
The league would deny Partizan and Crvena zvezda permanent licences after a political shift in Serbia, as it moves to expand to 24 teams.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Basketball
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The EuroLeague plans to deny Partizan and Crvena zvezda permanent licences, offering both clubs three-year special invitations starting in the 2027-28 season instead. The move follows a change in Serbian politics in which the Student List won the elections, raising doubts about continued state backing for the two clubs.
Why it matters
The plan reshapes the competition's membership as it expands from 20 to 24 teams, with changes in government support for two of its best-known clubs now shaping licensing decisions. Both Partizan and Crvena zvezda currently receive significant state support, making the political outlook central to their long-term status.
The nine clubs offered new contracts include six set to receive permanent licences immediately: Valencia, Paris, Dubai, Olimpia Milano, Hapoel Tel Aviv and PAOK. New franchises would pay between €50 million and €90 million, with about €400 million generated in total.
The players
EuroLeague
The EuroLeague is Europe's premier professional basketball club competition, organized by its own board of member clubs.
Partizan
Partizan is a Belgrade-based basketball club and one of the most successful teams in EuroLeague history.
Crvena zvezda
Crvena zvezda is a Belgrade-based basketball club whose men's team is among the most decorated in European basketball.
The details
Partizan and Crvena zvezda will participate under three-year special invitations rather than permanent licences, while Virtus Bologna and Napoli are placed in the same invitation group. Existing co-owner clubs would receive permanent contracts without additional costs, and each current co-owner would receive a €30 million payment.
Timeline
End of November 2026: EuroLeague Board expected to make its final licensing decision.
2027-28 season: Partizan and Crvena zvezda begin three-year special invitations.
2030: EuroLeague expected to expand from 24 to 28 teams.
Season Trajectory
The plan continues the EuroLeague's expansion from 20 teams toward 24 and then 28 by 2030. It also shows how political changes in Serbia can directly influence the competitive makeup of a major European competition.
Fantasy and betting followers of the EuroLeague should note that two Belgrade clubs will not hold permanent licences under the current plan. Competitive planning for the 2027-28 season would need to account for three-year invitation terms rather than permanent status.
The takeaway
Club licensing in European basketball now depends as much on political and financial backing as on sporting results. Readers following the sport should watch the Board's November decision for how the expanded league will be structured.
What happens next
The EuroLeague Board is expected to make its final licensing decision by the end of November, with Partizan and Crvena zvezda's three-year invitations beginning in the 2027-28 season.
Further reading
Explore more Basketball coverage for context on the league's expansion and club licensing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BGNES: Breaking News, Latest News and Videos.
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