AS Monaco are expected to secure approval for the 2026-27 French league season under a takeover led by former NBA All-Star Jamal Mashburn, with the club's budget set to drop to around €12.5 million.
AS Monaco are expected to receive approval to compete in the 2026-27 French league season after strengthening the takeover plan led by former NBA All-Star Jamal Mashburn.
According to L'Equipe, the French champions have submitted the final documents requested by the French Basketball Federation's Appeals Chamber, including a bank guarantee estimated at approximately €7 million.
Barring an unexpected late setback, the revised plan is expected to be approved on Friday, securing Monaco's place in the Betclic Elite for next season.
Monaco strengthen plan after initial rejection
Monaco were initially denied entry into France's professional competitions by the DNCCG on July 3 because the financial regulator did not consider the club's economic guarantees sufficient.
The original proposal led by Mashburn and a group of American investors included a projected budget of between €10 million and €12.5 million, but it was considered too fragile at the time.
Monaco subsequently received additional time to complete the takeover package and provide further proof that the new ownership group could finance the club sustainably.
The final bank guarantee was one of the essential documents required for the appeal to succeed.
Jamal Mashburn to lead new American ownership
The takeover is expected to be completed through Helen Holdings, an investment vehicle and family office founded by Mashburn.
Helen Holdings has previously invested in European sports and arena projects, joining venue investment and operating platform Nextstage as a partner in January 2026.
Mashburn is expected to serve as the central figure of Monaco's new project, while executive director Oleksiy Yefimov is set to remain in place and oversee the club's transition into the new era.
The agreement would bring an end to Alexey Fedorychev's period as Monaco's owner and financial patron, which began in January 2022. He has reportedly agreed to sell his shares as part of the restructuring.
Monaco budget to fall significantly
The new ownership group is preparing to operate with a considerably reduced budget.
After spending more than €38 million during the 2025-26 season, Monaco's projected operating budget under Mashburn is expected to be approximately €12.5 million.
That reduction will require the club to adopt a different sporting model after several seasons featuring one of the most expensive rosters in European basketball.
Monaco have already lost several central players from last season's team as their financial uncertainty continued through the summer.
The club was also moved from the EuroLeague to the EuroCup after five consecutive EuroLeague playoff appearances.
Credit Alfonso Cannavacciuolo/EuroLeague via Getty Images
Monegasque government could acquire club stake
The Monegasque state is also expected to become more directly involved in the organization.
The Principality helped Monaco finish last season by providing the club with substantial short-term financial support.
Reports have placed the state-backed assistance at more than €16 million, while previous estimates of Monaco's overall financial support and outstanding obligations were even higher.
The government reportedly does not intend to place immediate pressure on the club to repay the entire amount and could eventually acquire an ownership stake.
Such an arrangement would give the Principality a formal voice in Monaco's management while providing further stability alongside Mashburn's investment group.
Who is Jamal Mashburn?
Mashburn was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the fourth overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft following his college career at Kentucky.
The 2.03-meter forward spent 12 seasons with the Mavericks, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Hornets, recording career averages of 19.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
His best season came in 2002-03, when he averaged 21.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists for New Orleans. He earned the only All-Star selection of his career and was named to the All-NBA Third Team.
Chronic knee problems eventually brought his playing career to an end, but Mashburn became a prominent entrepreneur after leaving basketball.
His reported business portfolio has included restaurant franchises, automobile dealerships, real estate, and other investments.
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