Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce the start of a new global partnership in the category of health services with Vatanmed Clinic, a world leader in hair transplant services.

Vatanmed Clinic, Euroleague Basketball partner until 2026

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce the start of a new global partnership in the category of health services with Vatanmed Clinic, a world leader in hair transplant services.

This pioneering alliance between Vatanmed and Euroleague Basketball will start with this season's Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs and Final Four, this month and next. The partnership will extend through the next two full seasons of the EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup until June of 2026.

This Istanbul-based company has 17 years' worth of experience in the cutting-edge field of hair transplants and runs 14 clinics in as many countries across four continents. Vatanmed has successfully served more than 50,000 clients over the years.

Vatanmed's services include hair loss treatment, hair transplantation, eyebrow transplantation, and beard transplantation and is recognized for its patient-centric approach and after-care support. The clinic's expertise has made it a go-to internation destination for anyone seeking to improve their physical appearance through these procedures.

"We are delighted to welcome Vatanmed to our family of partners. Vatanmed operates in a sector which is expanding quickly and this new partnership opens new avenues to raise awareness around transformative restoration techniques that can boost self-confidence in our communities," said Gawain Davies, Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships & Licensing, Euroleague Basketball.

Vatanmed's sponsorship commitment until 2026 is the latest evidence of how Euroleague Basketball competitions and platforms bring visibility, engagement, and the chance to make a mark in communities to its family of partners.

"We're eager to join forces with Euroleague Basketball, uniting our passion for excellence with the thrill of the game," Uğur Öztürk, CEO of Vatanmed Clinic, said. "This sponsorship represents more than just a partnership – it's a commitment to community and shared values. Together, we aim to inspire and uplift, both on the court and in the clinic."

Euroleague fans will be able to engage with a category-leading brand in hair transplant services as Vatanmed will have extensive presence with specific branded content on Euroleague Basketball digital platforms as well as in-arena visibility during the upcoming postseason and beyond.

Euroleague Basketball wishes to express its disappointment about the public statements made by Mr. Ergin Ataman, the Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach, and by the club itself, as well as about other events that happened following Game 1 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs that the club hosted in Athens on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

 Euroleague Basketball statement 

Euroleague Basketball wishes to express its disappointment about the public statements made by Mr. Ergin Ataman, the Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach, and by the club itself, as well as about other events that happened following Game 1 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs that the club hosted in Athens on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Such actions and statements are in full contradiction with the [joint statement made on April 15, 2024, by Euroleague Basketball, the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, the EuroLeague Players Association, and the Union of Euroleague Basketball Officials,](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/news/euroleague-basketball-ehcb-elpa-and-uebo-release-joint-statement/) as they create the unnecessary and unjustified conflict that the four organizations, representing its member clubs, coaches, players and officials, all committed to prevent.

The statements made by Coach Ataman are purposefully misleading and incorrect – giving inaccurate analysis of the game and of a carefully selected number of plays; attempting to question the work and the integrity of the officials; and putting additional pressure on them and on the league organization – attempts that obviously will not reach their objectives.

Unfortunately, these statements were not presented to Euroleague Basketball officials through the existing official channels, which are always open to Coach Ataman, his club, and every other club and coach in the competition.

Such behavior will not be tolerated by Euroleague Basketball. Disciplinary procedures have already been initiated, as they have for the events occurred in the obligatory open-to-media practice of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, when Mr. Ataman prevented journalists from performing their duties.

Euroleague Basketball's respect towards the Panathinaikos organization, community and legacy is beyond question, and equal to the respect given to all other clubs in the competition. The events that occurred after Game 1 of the EuroLeague Playoffs are contrary to the principles of respect among the clubs, towards the organization that they all manage, and the values that the competition aims to promote.

Euroleague Basketball encourages Coach Ataman, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, and all other clubs and individuals to avoid similar statements and behavior in future games, and to promote the values that the EuroLeague competition represents, generating a positive atmosphere around the games and celebrating the incredible effort and action on the court.

Euroleague Basketball statement

After a historic 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season – and with the Play- In Showdown, Playoffs and Final Four about to start – Euroleague Basketball and its stakeholders would like to show their commitment and unity to address an issue that creates unnecessary and unjustified conflict.

Euroleague Basketball, EHCB,  ELPA and UEBO release joint statement

After a historic 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season – and with the Play- In Showdown, Playoffs and Final Four about to start – Euroleague Basketball and its stakeholders would like to show their commitment and unity to address an issue that creates unnecessary and unjustified conflict.

In light of the public statements made about the performance of the referees by different individuals from different stakeholder groups during the Regular Season, and with the EuroLeague competition reaching the final and most vibrant stages of the season, Euroleague Basketball, the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, the EuroLeague Players Association, and the Union of Euroleague Basketball Officials wish to encourage players, coaching staff and club executives to contribute by every possible means to generating a positive atmosphere that celebrates the games and promotes respect among fans, as well as respect between individuals from all stakeholder collectives.

Additionally, the three organizations representing players, head coaches and officials, and Euroleague Basketball, representing the participating clubs, commit themselves to create a working group to jointly developing further initiatives in the future that promote the values of respect, sportsmanship, and healthy competition while continuing to deliver the best basketball experience to millions of devoted fans.

Paulius Motiejunas, the Euroleague Basketball CEO, caught up with SKWEEK while in the Principality of Monaco to discuss the future of the EuroLeague.

Euroleague Basketball CEO Paulius Motiejunas sits down with SKWEEK

Paulius Motiejunas, the Euroleague Basketball CEO, caught up with SKWEEK while in the Principality of Monaco to discuss the future of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Over the course of the interview, which was published in two parts on SKWEEK’s YouTube channel, Motiejunas provides an update on the situation regarding Dubai, relations with FIBA, Financial Fair Play and future plans for the league. You can watch the two videos below.

### Paulius Motiejunas interview with SKWEEK, Part 1

### Paulius Motiejunas interview with SKWEEK, Part 2

A number of topics were brought up, principally relating to the future of the EuroLeague

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce the relaunch of Euroleague Basketball FanXP to push the boundaries of innovation in the sports industry. In an exciting collaboration, 2024 Euroleague Basketball FanXP joins forces with SPORTBIZ EUROPE, one of the largest sports industry events, to create a platform that aims to discover cutting-edge solutions.

Euroleague Basketball FanXP relaunches with exciting SPORTBIZ partnership

**Startups can [apply here](https://fanxp.euroleague.net/) from March 18 to April 29, 2024**

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce the relaunch of Euroleague Basketball FanXP to push the boundaries of innovation in the sports industry. In an exciting collaboration, 2024 Euroleague Basketball FanXP joins forces with SPORTBIZ EUROPE, one of the largest sports industry events, to create a platform that aims to discover cutting-edge solutions. 

The 2024 Euroleague Basketball FanXP is on a mission to redefine the basketball experience by soliciting innovative solutions from all around the globe. Startups are encouraged to contribute visionary ideas in the following key areas: 

\- Content Creation 

\- Fan Engagement 

\- Fantasy Sports 

\- Gameday Experience 

\- Digital Solutions 

\- Venue Management 

\- New Businesses 

The 2024 Euroleague Basketball FanXP is not just a competition; it is an opportunity for startups to revolutionize the basketball experience. The collaboration with SPORTBIZ EUROPE ensures that these groundbreaking innovations will be showcased and celebrated on an international scale. 

Winning startups will earn the invaluable opportunity to implement their solutions in the esteemed environments of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup. Past editions of Euroleague Basketball FanXP have showcased success stories such as Content Stadium, Piing, and MindFly, providing inspiration for the next wave of innovators. 

"The collaboration with SPORTBIZ EUROPE amplifies our commitment to fostering innovation in basketball," Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Marketing and Communication Senior Director at Euroleague Basketball, stated. "We are excited to see how startups from around the world will contribute to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sports industry, tackling one of the most transversal challenges of the industry: offering the best fan experience possible."

"We are thrilled and proud of our collaboration with Euroleague to enhance the visibility of outstanding sports startups within the SPORTBIZ EUROPE framework," stated Patricio Baigorrotegui, SPORTBIZ/Good Morning Sports Co-Founder & Director.

Laura Cordeiro Jáuregui, SPORTBIZ/Good Morning Sports Co-Founder & Director, added: "This innovation challenge bridges the startup world with one of the top global sports properties, perfectly aligning with the SPORTBIZ spirit of fostering new opportunities in the industry and creating value."

To participate, startups must align with the specified criteria and demonstrate expertise in the identified areas. After an initial review of all submitted startups, a select group of 18 will advance to the next phase. During this stage, EuroLeague Basketball management mentors will engage with the startups to refine their pitches. 

The final pitch presentations will be made in front of a distinguished jury, featuring top personalities from the sports industry. The much-anticipated announcement of the 2024 Euroleague Basketball FanXP winners will take place at SPORTBIZ EUROPE: Barcelona in October, providing a global stage for the recognition of innovative solutions. 

The ECA Board of Directors unanimously decided during the meeting held at Euroleague Basketball headquarters to extend the appointments of Dejan Bodiroga, as President, and of Paulius Motiejunas, as CEO, for four more years each.  

Dejan Bodiroga and Paulius Motiejunas extended as Euroleague Basketball President and CEO

Dejan Bodiroga was named Euroleague Basketball President on September 14, 2022, and renewed his commitment with the organization on June 15, 2023. In his role as president, he has focused on improving the quality of Euroleague Basketball competitions for the benefit of clubs, players, fans, partners and other stakeholders while playing a key role in strengthening relationships with the wider basketball community, including the EuroLeague Players Association, the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, the Union of Euroleague Basketball Officials, FIBA, domestic leagues and other basketball-related institutions.

Paulius Motiejunas became Euroleague Basketball CEO on June 15, 2023, after a successful career as President of Zalgiris Kaunas. Motiejunas has focused on uniting the shareholders behind plans for future growth in key markets in Europe and beyond, enhancing the game experience in Euroleague Basketball arenas, television and digital platforms, and opening up new avenues to expand its fan base.  

Under their joint management, Euroleague Basketball has forged some key initiatives: [generating more interest than ever on digital platforms and television](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/news/the-euroleague-continues-to-generate-more-interest-than-ever/); setting a new attendance record of devoted fans filling EuroLeague arenas; maintaining regular conversations with the different basketball stakeholders to reach mutually acceptable solutions for the good of basketball; and identifying opportunities of collaboration in new markets outside of the pan-European ecosystem.

The ECA Board of Directors also reviewed the current state of the business, as well as discussing opportunities ahead, and were updated on the different conversations regarding collaboration possibilities in new markets to continue building on the success delivered during the last 24 years and bringing the Euroleague Basketball to new heights.

Movistar Plus+ to broadcast BKT EuroCup Playoffs

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that Movistar Plus+ will reinforce its Euroleague Basketball competitions portfolio in Spain by bringing Dreamland Gran Canaria's and Joventut Badalona's playoff games plus the BKT EuroCup Semifinals and Finals to the country's devoted basketball fans.

Movistar Plus+ will broadcast every BKT EuroCup fixture played by a Spanish team in addition to select semifinal games and the EuroCup Finals. 

The BKT EuroCup started the 2023-24 season with a revamped competition format in which the regular season reduced the number of teams advancing to the playoffs from eight to six, with the top two teams in each regular season group advancing directly to the quarterfinals. In addition, the semifinals and finals will be played in a best-of-three format instead of a single game. The eightfinal and quarterfinal phases maintain the single-game knockout format that has been unanimously celebrated by the fans as it brings a true basketball drama. 

Movistar Plus+'s broadcasts will start with the eighthfinals do-or-die game between Joventut and ratiopharm Ulm on March 5, followed by the reigning EuroCup champion, Gran Canaria putting its title on the line against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul on March 6.

The BKT EuroCup is the last basketball addition to the Movistar Plus lineup, which broadcasts Europe's premier club basketball competition, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague; the NBA, and the Spanish domestic league (ACB).

Euroleague Basketball and Sportpass, a fan engagement and gaming platform, have reached a collaboration agreement that will reinforce Euroleague Basketball's gamification strategy. Sportpass is a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, a global leader in gamification with a large portfolio of over 400 investments in Web3 projects.

Euroleague Basketball to amplify its gamification portfolio with Sportpass

Euroleague Basketball and Sportpass, a fan engagement and gaming platform, have reached a collaboration agreement that will reinforce Euroleague Basketball's gamification strategy. Sportpass is a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, a global leader in gamification with a large portfolio of over 400 investments in Web3 projects.

The collaboration will bring forth a Euroleague-themed web3 gaming platform that targets the Gen Z fanbase, merging the thrills and culture of sports in a digital offering with a number of micro-game experiences, rewards or in-game collectibles, among others.

Gamification has been a growth pillar in the Euroleague Basketball digital strategy in recent seasons, with a triple-digit year-on-year increase on the fantasy games portfolio, reaching a community of 4.3 million engaged fans.

Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Marketing and Communication Senior Director at Euroleague Basketball, stated "We are delighted to join forces with Sportpass and Animoca Brands, leaders in web3 products, to expand our gamification offering. The digital ecosystem is key to expand the EuroLeague brand and offer new ways for young fans to interact with the league. This collaboration marks an important step in growing our portfolio of gaming opportunities for fans to engage with the EuroLeague in different, innovative ways.”

Sportpass CEO Jordan Fogarty added: "Sportpass is the result of years of innovation in technology, gaming, and sports, placing the fan at its core. With a plethora of digital experiences, including gaming, rewards, and competitions, we are confident that EuroLeague fans will find what they are looking for. Our collaboration with the EuroLeague underscores our commitment to revolutionizing the sports entertainment landscape.”

Euroleague Basketball has renewed its partnership with Fantaking Interactive, the provider of the [EuroLeague](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) and [EuroCup](https://eurocupfantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) Fantasy Challenge, for an additional three years, with the new deal running until June 2027.

The collaboration between Euroleague Basketball and Fantaking Interactive has been in place since 2021, as Fantaking Interactive played an important role in the launch of a brand-new EuroLeague and EuroCup Fantasy Challenge game. 

“We are thrilled to renew our on-going collaboration with Fantaking and keep on building on the unprecedented success the Fantasy Challenge game has had ever since this partnership started. EuroLeague and EuroCup Fantasy Challenge products are two key assets of our gamification strategy as they allow fans to engage with the competitions in a different way, independently of their degree of knowledge on the game.” stated Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Marketing and Communication Senior Director at Euroleague Basketball. “Fantaking have a deep understanding on sports, basketball, and fantasy games, and are continuously striving to innovate, improve the users experience and adapt the game to an ever-changing digital landscape.”

Over the last three years, Euroleague Basketball and Fantaking Interactive have worked hand in hand in order to grow the fantasy game, which is now Euroleague Basketball’s number one digital product in terms of fan participation and is widely respected as a renowned fantasy product in Europe. 

"We are delighted to announce the renewal of our partnership with Euroleague Basketball for the next three years. The continued success of the Euroleague Fantasy Challenge, with an impressive user base of 170,000 fans, reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional fantasy sports experiences,” said Alessandro Molinari, Fantaking Interactive co-founder. 

“As Euroleague Basketball excels in driving fan engagement, our collaboration seamlessly aligns with their strategy. We are proud to stand alongside Euroleague Basketball as a trusted partner, contributing to the league's expansion and brand recognition. The journey so far has been extraordinary, and we eagerly anticipate achieving even greater milestones together in the years to come." 

Year on year, the number of users taking part in the Fantasy Challenge has increased significantly, as more people than ever are able to compete for prizes and, perhaps most importantly, bragging rights during every round of the regular season and also in the playoffs.

The interest in the EuroLeague and EuroCup Fantasy Challenge has also been aided by the introduction of the EuroLeague Fantasy Podcast with Frankie Sachs and Javier Gancedo, which is released once a week during the season and offers Fantasy Challenge managers the chance to hear from two experts from [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net).

Looking ahead, this three-year renewal includes a design revamp of the EuroLeague and EuroCup Fantasy Challenge, in addition to a new mobile app version in September 2024 which will increase the fan experience and functionalities.

This renewal includes a commitment to further improve the EuroLeague and EuroCup Fantasy Challenge experience for users.

Vatanmed Clinic, Euroleague Basketball partner until 2026

Euroleague Basketball statement

Euroleague Basketball, EHCB, ELPA and UEBO release joint statement

Euroleague Basketball CEO Paulius Motiejunas sits down with SKWEEK

Euroleague Basketball FanXP relaunches with exciting SPORTBIZ partnership

Dejan Bodiroga and Paulius Motiejunas extended as Euroleague Basketball President and CEO

Movistar Plus+ to broadcast BKT EuroCup Playoffs

Euroleague Basketball to amplify its gamification portfolio with Sportpass

Euroleague Basketball, Fantaking Interactive together until 2027