The Euroleague (EL) is one of the professional basketball competitions in Europe, with teams from thirteen different European countries. The competition is operated by ULEB, a Europe-wide consortium of leading professional basketball leagues. The league usually, but not always, includes domestic champions from the leading countries. Depending on the country, places in the Euroleague may be awarded on the basis of: * Performance in the previous season's domestic league.
* Performance over the previous two or three domestic seasons.
* Contracts with ULEB. For example, two 2007-08 domestic champions from ULEB member countries will not compete in the 2008-09 Euroleague—Zadar (Croatia) and Hapoel Holon (Israel). Zadar will play in the second-level Eurocup in 2008-09. Hapoel Holon, however, will not compete in any of the three European continental club competitions—not even the third-tier EuroChallenge (which is run by FIBA Europe instead of ULEB). | 
