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London Lions set for EuroLeague snub but refuse to give up on 2030 bid
London Lions appear set to miss out on joining EuroLeague in its next expansion, but say their ambition to become London’s first team in the competition by 2030 remains. The delay in confirming new teams comes as EuroLeague considers a possible partnership with the NBA, which plans to launch a European competition in 2027.
EuroLeague is expected to expand from 20 teams to 24 next year and 28 by 2030. Six clubs are understood to have been chosen for permanent places, while Virtus Bologna, Napoli Basket, Partizan Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda are expected to receive three-year wild cards; the selections still need board approval. The Lions were also overlooked for a wild card, and say a planned 15,000-seat arena is part of their long-term plans.
In short
- London Lions are expected to miss EuroLeague’s next expansion.
- The club is targeting a place in 2030.
- EuroLeague’s expansion plans are unfolding amid NBA talks.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A place in the EuroLeague could give London a foothold in Europe’s leading club basketball competition, attract investment and audiences, and help build a lasting basketball culture in the city. The Lions can argue that their 2030 ambition, backed by plans for a 15,000-seat arena, deserves time to develop even if they have missed this expansion round.
The case against
EuroLeague places are limited, and organisers can reasonably prioritise clubs with established competitive records, reliable finances and arenas ready to meet the competition’s demands. With a potential NBA-backed European league also on the horizon, delaying decisions may be prudent, while the Lions’ longer-term plans alone may not yet show they are ready for a place.
Explained simply
The EuroLeague is the leading club basketball competition in Europe, bringing together teams from different countries. Its clubs include permanent members and teams invited through shorter-term places called wild cards.
London Lions are a British basketball club based in east London. They want to become the first team from London to play in the EuroLeague, and say a planned 15,000-seat arena is part of that ambition.
The competition is considering adding more teams, while the NBA is planning a separate European competition for 2027. How the EuroLeague grows and responds to that plan could shape the opportunities available to clubs such as the Lions.
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