Itoudis Advocates Euroleague Expansion to 30 Teams with Conferences and Playoffs

core_answer: Dimitris Itoudis, prominent Euroleague coach and champion, publicly advocates for expanding the league from its current 20 teams to 30, including structured conferences and playoffs, citing financial stability and the need to grow European basketball. He hopes for playoffs over a single final game and envisions the league lasting at least ten more years with a return of Russian teams.
key_facts: Itoudis hopes the European basketball season would conclude with playoffs rather than a final game.; Expansion is seen as a natural progression toward 24-26 teams and ultimately 30 teams.; FIBA has given green light to players, athletes, and referees as a precursor to team-level inclusion.; Itoudis desires the return of Russian teams to add competitive depth.; He believes more teams would guarantee financial stability through increased revenue from teams, players, coaches, and referees.
source_attribution: Based on statements by Dimitris Itoudis (references 5-9, 11-12, 14-19 in analysis); Cross-checked: analysis source
related_qa: Q: What is the current number of Euroleague teams? A: 20 teams.; Q: What format does Itoudis want for the league? A: Structured conferences or groups with playoffs.; Q: What is the goal of the expansion according to Itoudis? A: Financial stability, growth for at least ten more years, and a more competitive structure.