Euroleague Restructuring Threatens Žalgiris’ Dominance, Report Claims
Vilnius, Lithuania – November 3, 2025 – A controversial restructuring of the euroleague, announced this week, is poised to dismantle the existing competitive framework of european basketball and could substantially impact Lithuanian powerhouse Žalgiris Kaunas, according to a report published by B Tribuna. The proposed changes, driven by a new partnership between the NBA and Euroleague Basketball, are viewed by some as a threat to the traditional, merit-based system of European club basketball.
The B tribuna report alleges Žalgiris faces a potential loss of its long-held influence within the Euroleague, as the new structure appears to favor financially powerful clubs and potentially diminishes the competitive opportunities for teams like Žalgiris that have historically relied on player development and on-court performance. The core concern centers on a shift away from a system where competitive standing is “earned on the pitch by players fighting,” toward one dictated by “deals behind closed doors between rich people in suits and ties.”
The impending changes stem from a recently finalized agreement between the NBA and Euroleague Basketball to create “NBA Europe,” a venture intended to expand the NBA’s global reach. While acknowledging the likelihood that “NBA Europe will probably not be better,” the B Tribuna analysis suggests a degree of satisfaction that the current Euroleague system-described as a “cancer” to European basketball-might potentially be undergoing a fundamental shift.
The report anticipates a new competitive landscape beginning next season, offering European clubs a greater chance to “grow and compete with the chosen ones.” This potential for increased competition is seen as a positive outcome, even amidst concerns about Žalgiris’ position.
Viewers in Lithuania can continue to follow Žalgiris’ Euroleague matches on TV3, with comprehensive coverage also available on Go3.
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