Ozkan Arseven, Board Member responsible for basketball operations, revealed that Besiktas has commited to has committed to participating in EuroLeague competitions for the next five years.
Besiktas recently replaced Monaco as the 20th participant in next season’s EuroLeague, and now the Istanbul club official has also outlined the team’s ambitions for the coming years.
“When we met with the EuroLeague, we presented them with our long-term plan. We also sent them a formal letter of intent. Officially, we committed to participating in the organization for 3+2 years”, Arseven told HT Spor.
He also stated that he expects the EuroLeague to expand to a 24-team format after next season, stressing that Besiktas’ goal is not simply to compete for one year.
“The current situation is this: we are here this year. What happens next season will depend on our success. However, the EuroLeague is planning to have a 24-team structure next season. Most likely, there will be 24 teams. In that case, four more teams will join the league.”
With the EuroLeague undergoing significant changes, Arseven emphasized that the club’s primary objective is to establish itself in the competition, while realistically aiming to fight for a playoff spot in its first season.
“Our first goal here is, of course, to stay in the league. It wouldn’t be accurate to say we’re aiming for the championship because it’s a very challenging competition. First, we’ll establish ourselves in the league and see how things develop, then gradually aim for higher positions. Can we make the playoffs? That’s our biggest goal right now.”
He also revealed that the club plans to allocate at least 12 million euros to player salaries in order to compete at the EuroLeague level.
At the same time, Besiktas has two possible home venues for EuroLeague games – the Basketball Development Center and Sinan Erdem Sports Hall. However, Arseven said that no final decision has been made and that the club will meet with Hidayet Turkoglu, President of the Turkish Basketball Federation, before deciding on the venue. Turkish Super League home games will most likely be played at Akatlar Sports Hall.
