Future Of Euroleague Beginning To Take Shape As President Outlines Plans

While awaiting final decisions by the Spanish Basketball League (ACB), the Adriatic League and Germany's BBL, the next two editions of the Euroleague -- with 16 teams -- continue to "take shape," according to Ricardo González of AS. Euroleague President Jordi Bertomeu said on Friday that those three leagues and the VTB League -- formed primarily by clubs from the former Soviet Union -- "are the strongest in Europe and because of this the Euroleague will offer one place to the best team from each of those leagues," as well as at least three other spots in the Eurocup. The Euroleague already has an agreement with the VTB. There are no agreements with the ACB, Adriatic League or BBL, but "the strongest teams in those leagues are in favor of joining the Euroleague" instead of FIBA's Champions League (AS, 3/12).