VTB League: new format approved for 2014-2015 season

The League Board decided today that the 2014-2015 VTB United League championship will be held under a new format. Teams will not be divided into groups and the League will have a maximum of 16 teams. The regular season will feature a full round-robin calendar - each team will play each other team at home and on the road. This decision was supported by an absolute majority of the League Board members.

The League Directorate has until August 11 to inspect clubs' compliance with League demands and regulations, after which the final League roster will be determined.

It's very important than an absolute majority voted today for the new format, with no divisions into groups and a maximum of 16 clubs, - noted VTB United League general director Andrey Shirokov. - We can also say that a minimum of 16 clubs have confirmed their participation in the new season under the new format. However, we are trying to minimize risk and, for that reason, have instructed the League Directorate to inspect clubs by August 11. We don't want a situation where a club is unable to continue its participation in the League after the calendar has been determined. That's why the precise number of participating clubs will be announced after holding inspections and receiving all the necessary documents. At the same time, we will carefully vet and prepare the calendar, as well as determine the start and end dates for the season. After we determine the final roster of teams, we will promptly discuss and approve the dates for the playoffs with the clubs, as well as the final postseason format.