ASVEL – EuroLeague: Strategic departure or disguised eviction?

The saga around ASVEL’s European future is heating up. After Le Progrès announced a planned departure from EuroLeague in 2026 to join the Basketball Champions League (BCL) before the future NBA Europe, EuroHoops – a media historically close to ECA, EuroLeague’s governing body – publishes a very different version: according to its sources, the Villeurbanne club could face exclusion for non-compliance with the league’s economic requirements.

Two narratives, two camps: ASVEL between strategy and pressure

On one side, Luc Paganon from Le Progrès and David Loriot from L’Équipe – two journalists who manage to interview Tony Parker about ASVEL – describe a strategic decision, anticipating NBA Europe’s arrival. ASVEL would thus choose to enter BCL in 2026-2027, as a stepping stone to this future league supported by FIBA and NBA. Moreover, BCL will provide access to four tickets for NBA’s future European league, in addition to the 12 permanent members.

On the other side, EuroHoops presents a less flattering version: according to the Greek media, EuroLeague itself might refuse to extend the club’s A license, due to a budget deemed insufficient to meet the new financial fair play.

Numbers at the heart of the conflict

According to EuroHoops, ASVEL’s officially announced payroll of 4.55 million euros is far from the 5.85 million euros threshold imposed by the league on its shareholder clubs. At the season’s start, Paulius Motiejunas, EuroLeague’s general manager, had already put pressure in an interview with L’Équipe regarding its financial means, leading to its too low sporting competitiveness.

This non-compliance with standards could lead to sanctions or even club exclusion. AFP confirms this information, specifying that « the subject was discussed during EuroLeague’s last executive committee » and that ASVEL’s license expires in June 2026.

Currently, the Villeurbanne club is among four clubs that haven’t renewed their long-term license, alongside Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Fenerbahçe – three heavyweights also courted by NBA Europe. Extending their license, while NBA Europe could launch as early as 2027, would be a risky and especially costly bet, as breaking this new license would require these clubs to pay up, according to L’Équipe.

Tony Parker hopes for ASVEL’s revaluation through NBA Europe

Meanwhile, EuroHoops notes that Tony Parker might consider pursuing an NBA coaching career and could sell part of ASVEL’s capital. The businessman hopes the club’s valuation will increase through its possible integration into NBA Europe. This hypothesis fuels speculation about a complete club restructuring in the medium term.

For its part, L’Équipe reports that Parker defended his case during a meeting in London last week, and that ASVEL is on the « short-list » of future NBA Europe franchises.

Chosen departure or forced exit?

At this stage, it’s difficult to decide between the two narratives. Either ASVEL is methodically preparing its EuroLeague exit to join the NBA Europe project, or the reality is harsher: the club might be pushed out by a EuroLeague concerned about its economic criteria and competitiveness, but also offended to see Tony Parker turn his back in favor of NBA Europe.

In any case, ASVEL’s European destiny seems sealed: barring an unlikely turnaround, the Villeurbanne club should play its last EuroLeague season before turning the page to write a new chapter in French basketball.