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

As every fall, the National Basketball League (LNB) publishes the projected budgets and payrolls of Betclic ELITE clubs. These figures, validated by the National Council for Management Control and Oversight (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 Basketball remains firmly on top with a €38.7 million budget, up 32% from the previous season (€29.3 million in 2024-2025). A spectacular increase that confirms the princely club’s ambitions, competing in EuroLeague and declared 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 yet another capital increase to secure its place in Betclic ELITE.

Chalon and Le Mans strongly rising, Limoges bouncing back

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

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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 contractions but remain at similar levels to their last season.

A two-speed championship

The gap between top and bottom keeps widening: Monaco’s budget is 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 payrolls confirm economic divide in Betclic ELITE

While Monaco and Paris largely dominate, several mid and lower-table clubs see their budgets stagnate or decline. 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 payroll

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

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

Paris Basketball continues its exponential growth: €7.97 million payroll, up 42% from last season. The French champion club, now well-established in the European landscape, has resources worthy of a European giant. Payroll represents 28% of total budget, a controlled proportion for a developing club.

ASVEL decreasing (-19%)

With €4.55 million, ASVEL completes the podium but sees its payroll decline by 19%. The payroll-to-budget ratio remains reasonable (24%). A financial rationalization strategy after a challenging season in Europe.

Le Mans, Limoges and Chalon also increasing

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). Elan Chalon rises 13%, confirming its aim to stabilize in Betclic ELITE’s upper half. These clubs show ambition despite constrained economic context.

Le Portel and ASVEL, year’s biggest losers

While Le Portel remains the league’s smallest budget, it also has the lowest payroll at €968,000, down 31%. A massive decline highlighting the northern club’s fragility amid 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 massive: a ratio of 1 to 20. The question remains whether Roca Team serves as a locomotive for structures like ESSM.