However, Drcelic stressed that Crvena Zvezda’s current priority remains securing a long-term EuroLeague license and becoming a permanent franchise in Europe’s leading club competition.<\/p>\n
Crvena Zvezda held NBA Europe talks <\/p>\n
When asked whether Crvena Zvezda had been contacted about potentially joining NBA Europe, Drcelic confirmed that discussions had taken place.<\/p>\n
“There have been contacts,” Drcelic told Meridian Sport<\/a>.<\/p>\n The NBA and FIBA have continued exploring plans for a new European league, with several major markets and established basketball organizations potentially involved.<\/p>\n However, Drcelic believes it remains unclear whether clubs from Serbia would be included in the project.<\/p>\n “The most important thing is for NBA Europe to clearly determine whether there is a place for Serbian clubs,” he said. “I have not heard that so far.”<\/p>\n EuroLeague franchise remains priority <\/p>\n Despite the NBA Europe discussions, Drcelic made it clear that Crvena Zvezda remains committed to the EuroLeague.<\/p>\n “Crvena Zvezda has been part of the EuroLeague family since returning to the competition in 2013, without ever considering moving to the FIBA Basketball Champions League,” he said.<\/p>\n “Our goal is to become a EuroLeague franchise, and Crvena Zvezda is first in line for that. We are working, negotiating, and fighting for our future.”<\/p>\n Crvena Zvezda currently compete in the EuroLeague without being one of the competition’s permanent shareholders.<\/p>\n Drcelic explained that securing a long-term agreement would provide the club with greater stability, voting rights, and a larger share of EuroLeague revenue.<\/p>\n Why franchise status matters <\/p>\n Crvena Zvezda currently do not have the same financial or decision-making rights as the EuroLeague’s shareholder clubs.<\/p>\n “As a club, we currently have neither voting rights nor the right to receive funds as co-owners of the league,” Drcelic explained.<\/p>\n The Serbian side is expected to receive money from a new fund based on results over the previous 10 years, television audiences, social media following, and attendance at home and away games.<\/p>\n However, Drcelic noted that the majority of EuroLeague revenue continues to be distributed among the competition’s existing shareholders.<\/p>\n “The majority of the financial pool goes to the league’s co-owners,” he said.<\/p>\n “That is why the next step \u2013 becoming a franchise, securing a long-term contract, and achieving equal status with the existing ‘privileged teams’ \u2013 is extremely important for the club.”<\/p>\n Drcelic believes franchise status would allow Crvena Zvezda to operate as an equal EuroLeague member, with both increased responsibilities and significantly greater commercial benefits.<\/p>\n “At that point, we would become an equal member, with our own obligations but also with rights and revenues that would not be insignificant,” he concluded.<\/p>\n Reacting To Your EuroLeague Hot Takes! <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/bn-plus.png\")
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