Cibona Zagreb returns to ABA League and eyes a ten‑year EuroLeague spot
Cibona Zagreb re‑joins the ABA League for the 2024‑25 season, and Budućnost president Dragan Bokan revealed that the league champion will receive a direct EuroLeague berth for the next ten years. The club returns after a year outside the system, and expectations are high as the competition expands to 20 teams split into two groups of 10.
What has been announced?
Bokan confirmed in an interview with RTCG that the ABA League has secured a contract guaranteeing the regional champion a EuroLeague place until 2034. "We received a proposal under which the ABA champion will have direct access to the EuroLeague for ten years," he said. The deal comes with enhanced sponsorship packages and investments from Dubai, Cluj‑Napoca, Slovan and Vienna, boosting the league’s financial appeal.
How does this affect Cibona Zagreb?
Cibona’s return means the club will face stronger opponents such as Cedevita Olimpija, Cluj‑Napoca and three EuroLeague teams. "Finishing in the top four won’t be easy, but Cibona is back in the mix," Bokan noted. The new owner from Toronto, whose name remains confidential, promises funding that could raise the team’s quality and improve financial conditions for the Croatian side.
What are the next steps?
The 2024‑25 season will still follow the old system, but preparations are already underway for the transition to the new model with a ten‑year EuroLeague guarantee. Teams will be placed in two groups of 10, and every game will carry extra weight for playoff qualification. Cibona will need to maximize offensive options, employing pick‑and‑roll and perimeter shooting, while defense must control the paint and block shots.
What can be expected from Cibona?
Coach Damir Mulaomerović announced intensive training and a focus on team cohesion. Players like Marko Simonović and Nikola Prkačin must increase their assist and rebound numbers, while Dino Radončić will lead the offense with a high FG% from the outside. If Cibona maintains an 80 % free‑throw rate and 45 % field‑goal percentage, its chances of reaching the top‑four improve significantly.
What does this mean for European basketball?
The introduction of a ten‑year EuroLeague license reshapes the competitive landscape in the region. The league becomes more attractive to sponsors and investors, and clubs like Cibona can leverage the mechanism for long‑term stability and talent development. The future of the ABA League looks bright, with Cibona Zagreb now a pivotal player in that story.