Monaco and Paris getting richer: key takeaways from Betclic ELITE 2025-2026 budgets

As every fall, the National Basketball League (LNB) publishes the projected budgets and wage bills of Betclic ELITE clubs. These figures, validated by the National Direction of Council and Management Control (DNCCG), provide a precise overview of the championship’s economic health. For the 2025-2026 season, the gaps are widening further between European powerhouses and more modest teams. Here are the five main takeaways.

Monaco still number one, with a massive €38.7 million budget

Unsurprisingly, AS Monaco Basket remains far ahead, with a €38.7 million budget, up 32% compared to the previous season (€29.3 million in 2024-2025). A spectacular increase that confirms the princely club’s ambitions, competing in EuroLeague and declaring itself a candidate for the French championship title and Athens Final Four in 2026.

Paris Basketball exploding: +53%, second largest budget in France

Paris Basketball reaches a historic milestone with €28.8 million, a record 53% increase. The capital’s club, reigning French champion, continues its financial rise and now positions itself as a major player in European basketball. Its budget approaches the level of continental powerhouses.

ASVEL remains solid third, with 15% increase

Behind this leading duo, ASVEL maintains its podium position with €18.6 million, up 15%. Despite a challenging previous year financially, the Villeurbanne club benefited from a new capital increase to save its place in Betclic ELITE.

Chalon and Le Mans strongly rising, Limoges bouncing back

Among mid-budget clubs, Le Mans Sarthe Basket and Élan Chalon both show 16% increases, proving real regional momentum. Limoges CSP follows the trend with +14%, finding new breath after a period of instability. These increases reflect structures with good dynamics.

Le Portel struggling, Saint-Quentin and Strasbourg slightly down

Conversely, Le Portel is the big loser in this ranking, with a 13% decrease and budget reduced to €3.74 million, the lowest in the division. Saint-Quentin (-3%) and Strasbourg (-1%) also experience slight contraction but remain at similar levels to their last exercise.

A two-speed championship

The gap between top and bottom keeps widening: Monaco has a budget ten times larger than Le Portel’s. While economic powers like Monaco, Paris or ASVEL consolidate their dominance, most clubs must manage carefully in an still uncertain economic context.

Monaco and Paris widening the gap: 2025-2026 wage bills confirm economic divide in Betclic ELITE

While Monaco and Paris largely dominate, several mid and bottom-table clubs see their budgets stagnating or declining. For the 2025-2026 season, gaps continue to widen between EuroLeague clubs and those fighting relegation.

Monaco still far ahead: first club to exceed €20 million in wage bill

With €20.13 million, AS Monaco Basket heavily dominates the ranking. Its wage bill jumps 37% in one year and represents over half its total budget (52%). Additional proof of the princely club’s financial power, aiming to establish itself permanently among EuroLeague’s great teams.

Paris Basketball in second position, with strong increase (+42%)

Paris Basketball continues its exponential growth: €7.97 million wage bill, up 42% from last season. The French champion club, now well-established in the European landscape, has resources worthy of a European great. The wage bill’s share in total budget reaches 28%, a controlled proportion for a developing club.

ASVEL declining (-19%)

With €4.55 million, ASVEL completes the podium but sees its wage bill decrease by 19%. The wage bill/budget ratio is reasonable (24%). A financial rationalization strategy after a difficult season on the European scene.

Le Mans, Limoges and Chalon also rising

Among balanced clubs, Le Mans Sarthe Basket stands out with an 18% increase (€2.28M), while Limoges CSP also shows spectacular 31% growth (€1.85M). Élan Chalon also rises 13%, confirming its will to stabilize in Betclic ELITE’s upper half. These clubs show ambition despite constrained economic context.

Le Portel and ASVEL, year’s big losers

While Le Portel remains the league’s smallest budget, it also has the lowest wage bill at €968,000, down 31%. A massive decline highlighting the northern club’s fragility facing championship cost inflation. Among top teams, ASVEL suffers the largest decrease (-19%), while Strasbourg and Nanterre experience slight decline (-4%).

Two-speed championship confirmed

Between Monaco’s €20.13 million and Le Portel’s €968,000, the difference is huge: a ratio of 1 to 20. Remains to be seen if the Roca Team serves as locomotive for a structure like ESSM.