EuroLeague puts pressure on ASVEL: « They clearly need to find ways to be competitive »
EuroLeague - EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas put pressure on ASVEL in L'Équipe newspaper. As the club's budget has decreased for two consecutive years, the organization expects a reaction for ASVEL to maintain the level required by its permanent license.
Photo Credit : Infinity Nine Media / Ilan Allouche
ASVEL is the only French club with an A license in EuroLeague, an envied status that guarantees permanent participation in the premier competition. But this security doesn’t prevent expectations. In an interview with L’Équipe, Paulius Motiejunas, EuroLeague CEO, emphasized that the Villeurbanne club needed to quickly get back on track.
« They clearly need to find ways to be competitive »
After two consecutive budget cuts and a difficult period sportingly, Motiejunas didn’t mince words: « We want them to raise their level. There are reasons for their bad patch, which explain their current issues, the conflict with their former sponsor (Skweek), and other things. But they clearly need to find ways to be competitive. »
A clear message, highlighting that the permanent license doesn’t guarantee a spot without performance and financial requirements.
A record matched in 2024-2025 but another roster overhaul
ASVEL finished a EuroLeague season with 13 victories, matching its competition record. But this season, with another budget decrease, the Rhône team, which starts its European season this Wednesday, October 1st, had to undergo yet another roster overhaul. This frustrated Nando De Colo for example, who publicly expressed it.
While the infrastructure (LDLC Arena) meets required standards, it’s on the court where the difference must now be seen.
A warning that comes at the wrong time
As Paris Basketball moves toward a permanent license and AS Monaco, 2025 finalist, also aims for one, ASVEL finds itself in a delicate position. The EuroLeague’s message is a reminder: France can have three ambitious clubs, but all must deliver both sportingly and financially to exist in European elite. Unless ASVEL’s potential integration into the NBA’s European league completely changes the plans…
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
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