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.

Credit: Srdjan Stevanovic/EuroLeague via Getty Images / BasketNews illustration
Credit Srdjan Stevanovic/EuroLeague via Getty Images / BasketNews illustration

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.

3-pointers this season

38%
9,1
Points made: 9,1
Accuracy: 38,2%
Place in standings: 13
Record max: 14
Record min: 5
Most made 3FGs: Sterling Brown

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

Vukašin Nedeljković
Vukašin played basketball competitively in his youth, and now contributes to Synergy Sports Technology and Sportradar regarding basketball analysis. He also has experience working as a journalist in Serbia and is passionate about writing basketball articles mainly focused on basketball X's and O's.
Comments:
It's funny. Because of their rivalry the clubs are pretty much a package deal for the Euroleague at this point. And it would set the Euroleague apart because an organization like the NBA would probably not even bother with Crvena Zveda and Partizan.
2025-03-14
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