Photo: FIBA

Dimitris Itoudis remains convinced that EuroLeague expansion represents the best path forward for European basketball, with the two-time champion coach ultimately hoping to see the competition grow to 30 clubs.

Itoudis believes the current expansion process could gradually take the league from 20 teams to 24 or 26 before eventually reaching his preferred 30-team format. Such a structure, he suggested, could require conferences or groups before moving into the playoffs.

“I think we are going in the direction where we will have 24 teams, where we will maybe reach 26 and, maybe in the future, God willing, to what I dream of and what I hope for – 30 clubs. To have conferences or groups in which we will compete and eventually reach the desired playoffs. As far as I am concerned, that would be the pinnacle of the game. Have the last game of the season be a EuroLeague game, and have the basketball season in Europe end with the playoffs. Will it be for ten years? God grant that we will be alive and well so that you and I can see it.”

The Greek coach also hopes Russian clubs will eventually return to international competition, which would immediately increase the number of potential EuroLeague participants. He pointed to several other clubs and markets that could also support further growth.

“Why? Because you see that there are now 20 of us, right? I think and hope that the Russian teams will return. FIBA went ahead and gave the green light for players, individuals, and referees, so the next step would be teams and team sports. If the Russian teams return, which is my wish, we already have other candidates. There’s PAOK, there’s Aris, there’s Roma, Hapoel from Tel Aviv, and all the teams that want to be part of it, which means that we have more teams that can guarantee financial stability.”

For Itoudis, expansion would not only bring additional clubs into the competition but create more opportunities throughout European basketball.

“This means more teams, more players, more coaches, more officials… I repeat, whether this expansion will be accepted or not is a matter for discussion, but I think we should grow”.