EuroLeague faces a crucial decision on whether to grant Zvezda and Partizan multi-year licenses, with financial instability and intense fan support playing key roles in the debate.
Crvena Zvezda and Partizan have been long-time candidates for a EuroLeague license, and the ongoing debate about whether Serbian clubs deserve a permanent spot in the elite competition has been going on for several seasons.
Reading the comments of EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas, it becomes clear that Zvezda and Partizan will find it extremely difficult to secure an A license.
However, the leaders of both clubs have made it clear in their public statements that they would be more than satisfied with a three-year B license.
This would provide them with additional stability in budget planning and player recruitment, as securing a spot in Europe's top competition for multiple years would make a significant difference.
Several key factors will determine the fate of Zvezda and Partizan, and it is becoming increasingly likely that a decision could be made this summer.
Serbian clubs have strong arguments in favor of a multi-year license, but there are also certain challenges associated with them.
Financial Model: Heavy Reliance on Government Support
Zvezda and Partizan are far from the only clubs in Europe that receive substantial government support in forming their budgets.
However, the way this operates in Serbia is significantly different from most other European countries.
Given that Serbia is