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Paris Basketball soon to become a permanent EuroLeague member?
EuroLeague - EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas confirmed to L'Équipe that discussions are advancing to offer Paris Basketball a permanent member license. A historic step that would bring David Kahn's club even closer to top European basketball.
Photo Credit : Julie Dumélié
The future of Paris Basketball in EuroLeague is becoming increasingly clear. In an interview with L’Équipe during the launch of the 2025-2026 season in Dubai, the competition’s CEO, Paulius Motiejunas, confirmed that discussions are ongoing to grant a permanent member license to the capital’s club, which is already participating thanks to an invitation this season after reaching the quarter-finals in its first participation.
Paris, « one of the clubs that embodies the future »
For Paulius Motiejunas, the Parisian project checks all the boxes: « It’s one of the clubs that embodies the future and could have this license, » stated the executive, noting that EuroLeague has never discussed with PSG, often mentioned for the future NBA league in Europe. « We have a partner in Paris who believes in us and in whom we believe. We have always expressed how crucial the Parisian market is for us. Paris Basketball’s first season was spectacular, and what they’ve accomplished in seven years of existence is remarkable. »
A permanent license would seal the project launched by David Kahn, already recognized for its meteoric progression in record time.
Monaco, a different trajectory
While Paris is in pole position to become the second French club with an A license after ASVEL, Monaco remains in a waiting position for now. Motiejunas praised « a solid project » and consistent results but pointed out the lack of an arena meeting required standards. « Let’s hope there will be movement on this subject this year, » he added. The Roca Team’s management assures they are working on it with the government.
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If it materializes, this license would be a game-changer for Paris Basketball, moving from guest status to shareholder of European basketball’s premier competition. It would also strengthen French basketball’s position in an increasingly competitive EuroLeague, with potentially two French clubs permanently present at the highest level. Meanwhile, the Parisians start their European season this Wednesday on the court of reigning European champions Fenerbahçe Istanbul, who are coming off a league defeat.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve est le fondateur et rédacteur en chef de BeBasket, qu’il anime depuis 2010 (sous le nom de Catch & Shoot). Passé par l’Ecole Publique de Journaliste de Tours, puis deux universités en Amérique du Nord, il a pu développer son expertise sur le basket français, de la Ligue Nationale aux divisions amateurs, durant ces 20 dernières années. En parallèle, il est aussi engagé dans le développement de clubs du côté de Montpellier.
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