The London Lions are in talks to acquire a EuroLeague expansion franchise as the competition prepares to expand to 24 teams for the 2027-28 season, according to Frank Dalleres of City AM.
EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno confirmed that London is a priority market and that the Lions are among the potential buyers for a new franchise. The move would represent a major step in the growth of basketball in the United Kingdom, where the sport has historically struggled to match the popularity of football and other major competitions.
“In the case of London, we have the interest of the London Lions, just to be clear. They want to become franchisees, they said it already,” Bueno told City AM.
The Lions have already strengthened their European credentials by securing a place in the EuroCup for the 2026-27 season after winning the domestic championship. The club, backed by Lithuanian tech billionaires, has ambitions to move beyond the second-tier competition and establish itself among Europe’s elite teams.
EuroLeague is transitioning toward a franchise model next season, with Bueno announcing plans to create a more stable long-term structure. The league currently has 20 teams and is targeting gradual expansion toward 24 franchises, potentially adding teams over a two- or three-year period.
Bueno said the league has received 17 franchise offers and estimated that a new EuroLeague franchise could carry a value of €80 million to €100 million. Established clubs with EuroLeague history, such as Crvena zvezda and Partizan, would receive different conditions compared with new expansion entrants.
The London project, however, comes with challenges. Bueno acknowledged that basketball has a smaller spectator base in the United Kingdom compared with established European markets and warned that building a sustainable franchise would require stronger infrastructure.
“The domestic league is not as competitive as other European domestic leagues,” Bueno said. “If you tell top talent that you’re going to play in a small college arena, 800 people, it’s not very compelling.”
The Lions are planning to address those concerns with a proposed new arena in London that would become the United Kingdom’s largest dedicated basketball venue. EuroLeague believes a modern facility and stronger commercial package will be essential to attracting elite players, sponsors and fans.
London’s potential entry also comes as European basketball faces increasing competition from the NBA’s interest in launching a European league. EuroLeague’s expansion plans are designed to strengthen its position by increasing franchise value, improving stability and targeting major markets.
Bueno ruled out adding multiple EuroLeague teams in London and said Manchester is not currently a priority because of the risks involved.
“We’re just looking for one in London. We need to test it and prove it,” Bueno said. “Then we can see other places.”
A London franchise would give EuroLeague its first permanent presence in the United Kingdom and could become a test case for expanding basketball into markets where the sport has significant growth potential but limited history.
