Europe’s top two club basketball competitions have been terminated this season without naming any winners because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers EuroLeague Basketball said on Monday.
“Having explored every possible option, the Executive Board has made the decision to cancel the 2019-20 EuroLeague and EuroCup,” the organising body said in a statement.
The 2020-21 EuroLeague and EuroCup seasons will start on Oct. 1 and Sept. 30 respectively, according to the statement, which added that the same 18 teams that contested this season’s EuroLeague would also compete in the next campaign.
The two competitions were indefinitely postponed on March 12 and the statement said clubs, players and all stakeholders had been willing to resume action but were unable to do so due to concerns over the health and safety of athletes and staff.
The league also said that a reduced training camp schedule compared to the previously approved minimum of three weeks would cause an increased injury risk for players.
“Without a doubt, this is the most difficult decision we have had to take in our 20-year history,” EuroLeague president Jordi Bertomeu said.
“Due to reasons beyond our control, we have been forced to cut short the most successful and exciting season in European basketball history.”