The Euroleague has announced the introduction of the Competitive Balance Standards (CBS) starting from the 2025-26 season, which expands on the current Financial Fair Play regulations. This move aims to promote financial sustainability, competitive balance, and transparency among participating teams. The CBS will introduce a compensation system for clubs that exceed their player recruitment budget, with the excess amount being redistributed to other teams. This is a significant step towards creating a more level playing field in the Euroleague.
According to the Euroleague, the CBS, which was approved in the assembly last September, will be implemented gradually until its full incorporation in the 2027-28 season. The main objective is to “align the minimum and maximum remuneration levels with the collective income generated by the clubs.” This will help to prevent inappropriate practices, increase transparency, and strengthen financial sustainability. The system will be applied to the net amounts to harmonize the disparity in tax systems across different countries.
Player Recruitment Spending Levels
To achieve this, the Euroleague has established uniform spending levels for player recruitment, which will be the same for all teams, rather than being based on individual team income. The new Competitive Balance Standards will calculate these income levels by adding up the match-day revenue, commercial income, and other income generated by Euroleague A-licensed clubs over a three-year period. This amount, which stands at 19.49 million euros for the next campaign, will serve as a reference point for determining the minimum and maximum spending levels for player remuneration.
Three Remuneration Ranges for All Teams
The Euroleague’s new Financial Fair Play regulations introduce three remuneration ranges for all teams: low, base, and high. The first two ranges will come into effect next season, while the high salary range will be implemented starting from the 2027-28 season. The low salary range requires A-licensed clubs to spend at least 32% of their collective income (5.85 million euros) on player recruitment; teams competing in the Euroleague by invitation must spend 24% (4.68 million euros); and teams that qualify via the Eurocup must spend 21% (4.09 million euros).
12 Teams with A-License
Currently, there are 12 teams with an A-license, following the exclusion of CSKA Moscow from the Euroleague due to Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine war. These teams include Barça, Real Madrid, Baskonia, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Zalgiris Kaunas, Anadolu Efes, Olimpia Milano, Fenerbahce, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Bayern Munich, and ASVEL Villeurbanne. The base salary range will be the same for all participating teams, with a maximum of 40% of their average income (8 million euros for the 2025-26 season). However, this range excludes anchor players (a maximum of two stars chosen by the clubs themselves), players under 23, players with extended contracts, and long-term injured players.
Compensating Other Teams for Exceeding Spending Limits
The new regulations state that any club that exceeds the base and high spending levels must compensate other teams that comply with the rules through a collective fund. This means that teams that fail to meet the Financial Fair Play requirements will contribute a percentage of the excess amount (ranging from 50 to 100% depending on the excess level) to a fund that will be distributed among teams that have complied with the player registration rules. This move aims to create a more balanced and sustainable financial environment in the Euroleague, where teams can compete fairly without overspending.