Ataman wants more EuroLeague games: is it even possible?

2025-04-11 11:00

In a new short-form BN+ Exclusive series, BasketNews' Donatas Urbonas breaks down how much money Ergin Ataman's idea could potentially bring to the EuroLeague — and why it's not that simple. He also explores the biggest challenges and the most realistic expansion scenarios currently on the table.

Credit: BasketNews
Credit BasketNews

Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman recently made a classic Ataman statement:
"When you play a game, you take money. When you practice, no money."

So, should EuroLeague teams play more games to make more money?

You'll understand why Ataman is all in when you see how much money that could potentially bring in. 

Here's what I know.

Right now, each team plays 34 regular-season games. Add in potential play-ins, a best-of-five playoff series, and the Final Four — and at most, a team could play 43 games in one season.

That should change soon. I'm hearing that EuroLeague plans to


Want to read or watch more? BasketNews is launching a new BN+ Exclusive series of short-form opinion and explanatory videos, featuring our creators. 

These clips are all about giving you more takes, deeper insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at the biggest stories in basketball — all with a more personal touch.

In this BN+ Exclusive episode, Donatas Urbonas breaks down Ergin Ataman's idea of playing more EuroLeague games, including nearly doubling double-round weeks to boost revenue.

Urbonas estimates how much money this could generate for teams through ticket sales, while also explaining the most realistic expansion scenarios currently being discussed within the EuroLeague.

This new content format—available in video, audio, and text is exclusively for BN+ members. By joining the BN+ community, you’ll unlock a range of benefits, including:

  • Access to our private Discord group to chat with fellow basketball fans around the world
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  • And much more

Become a BN+ member now and be part of the deeper basketball conversation.

Watch the BN+ Exclusive episode right here:



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