Ten days after winning the French championship, AS Monaco basketball finds itself on the brink of the precipice. The DNCCG refused to register the Roca Team in Betclic ÉLITE for the 2026-2027 season due to insufficient financial guarantees. An appeal has been filed with the French Basketball Federation, while a takeover plan must be finalized before July 20.
The French championship title won on June 23 was not enough to dispel concerns. The National Management and Financial Control Board (DNCCG), the financial watchdog of the National Basketball League (LNB), announced Friday the refusal to register AS Monaco basketball in professional competitions for the 2026-2027 season.
In a statement, the National Basketball League clarified: “AS Monaco Basketball was heard by the National Management and Financial Control Board (DNCCG) regarding its current financial situation and its 2026-2027 budget forecast. Given the absence of sufficient guarantee on the economic viability of the club for the upcoming season and the state of advancement of the club takeover proceedings, the DNCCG decided to refuse the registration of AS Monaco in LNB championships for the 2026-2027 season. The club has the option to contest this decision before the Appeals Chamber of the French Basketball Federation.”
AS Monaco basketball has decided to appeal before the appeals commission of the French Basketball Federation (FFBB). The procedure allows a few weeks to present financial guarantees and convince the authorities. The deadline is set for July 20.
A takeover expected before the court’s decision
The financial crisis has lasted several months. Thanks to a 30 million euro contribution from the Principality via the National Financing Company (SNF), the Roca Team was able to finish the season and pay salaries until June 30. The club’s debt would now reach approximately 25 million euros according to several sources close to the case.
The Monaco court is to rule on July 10 on the continuation of the parent company’s activities, threatened by payment default and liquidation. According to information published by Nice-Matin, the club’s shares, pledged as collateral, could be recovered for one symbolic euro in case of repayment default. Aleksej Fedorychev is also said to have renounced all of his investments, estimated at nearly 100 million euros.
Several takeover options remain under review. The name of former NBA player Jamal Mashburn has been circulating for several weeks. Stephen Schueler, head of Enerjen Capital and European Maritime Finance, is also among the candidates mentioned.
The Monégasque government could facilitate the arrival of local investors to ensure the continuity of the professional section. A budget of at least 10 million euros would be necessary to allow AS Monaco basketball to participate in Betclic Elite and the Eurocup next season.
The National Basketball League had already emphasized the urgency of the situation. Philippe Ausseur, president of the LNB, stated last week: “We all hope that AS Monaco can restart but it will only happen by respecting DNCCG rules, which are becoming stricter by the way, with even more guarantees being demanded. There will be no special treatment and we need to hurry. To be very clear, we are already on June 24. The right decisions need to be made as quickly as possible.”
The refusal issued by the DNCCG now places AS Monaco basketball facing a tight schedule. Between the court’s decision, the search for investors and the examination of the appeal before the FFBB, the coming weeks will be crucial for the future of the Roca Team.
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