Major news is shaking up European basketball: Real Madrid could walk away from the EuroLeague in 2026, according to several media reports. For years, there has been speculation that the club might leave if the NBA arrived in Europe — a project that now seems closer than ever to becoming a reality.

According to Gazzetta.gr, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to leave the EuroLeague as soon as next season to join the FIBA Basketball Champions League for a transition phase ahead of the NBA’s expected landing in Europe in October 2027. This NBA model would feature a semi-open structure with 16 teams, 12 of which would have guaranteed spots, while the remaining four would qualify through existing competitions — with the Champions League being the main pathway. The report also mentions that certain clubs want this transition to happen as quickly as possible.

EuroLeague shareholders are now pressing the Spanish giants to make their position clear before the end of the year. The Greek outlet states that they have until December to sign the new ten-year EuroLeague contract, even though the original deadline was June 30, 2026. Asvel has already declined to sign, and Fenerbahçe remains undecided.

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