This season was shaping up to be one of the most successful in Europe’s basketball history, but unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the Euroleague has been canceled.
On Monday, the league’s executive board announced its decision in a statement released to the media.
“Having explored every possible option, the Executive Board has made the decision to cancel the 2019-20 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague,” the board said.
“Without a doubt, this is the most difficult decision we have had to take in our 20-year history,” Euroleague Basketball President and CEO Jordi Bertomeu said.
Another inclusion to the news is that the annual Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament and Euroleague Academy are both canceled this year as well.
The EuroLeague is considered the best basketball league outside of the NBA which has helped them lure top talent to the league and away from other competitors.
The 2020-21 Euroleague and EuroCup seasons will start on Oct. 1 and Sept. 30 respectively.
The same 18 teams that played in this season’s EuroLeague will be competing in the next season.
The Euroleague said that no team would be declared winners of the 2019-20 competition for this season.