“Changes in the VTB United League are being worked out in different ways. From the format to increasing the number of matches” – Korstin

VTB United League CEO Ilona Korstin told that next season the league format may change.

In the VTB United League semi-final series, Zenit face UNICS and CSKA face Lokomotiv-Kuban. In both series, the score is 2-2.

– Was the decision not to allow Russian national basketball teams to qualify for the 2024 Olympics and EuroBasket 2025 expected for you, as for many in our basketball?

– I am not responsible for the Russian national teams, so this question addressed to me is not entirely appropriate. I don’t want to comment on all those decisions. Now the VTB United League playoff semi-finals are in full swing, all the games in them are very interesting, basketball so bright that I focus on our competition. As for the national teams, it is better to ask questions to the RFB.

— Can the VTB United League take advantage of this situation?

– I have said before that the VTB United League provides a platform for players, and especially young players, to show their best. Developed, has playing time. In this sense, now is a “golden period” for them, where there is every chance to gain experience playing side by side with quite good legionary basketball players . Now we have a lot of French people, including from the national team, the Americans are at a very good level. We have to use this time and wait for the time when we can compete on the international stage again.

— Has the level of the VTB United League dropped this season?

– I don’t think – it’s big enough. And in terms of basketball level, it’s pretty much stayed the same as last season. Yes, Legionnaires have changed, but they are also high level. For example, the French, of which I have already spoken above. There are Americans, there is Milutinov, who play for us at all costs. On the other hand, some have changed, others have suffered injuries and as a result, the four teams playing in the semi-final series are now roughly on the same level. And I think every semi-finalist has a chance to become a champion. What could be more interesting for fans.

– What awaits the league next season, are there any changes planned?

“They are worked in different ways. Starting from the format and increasing the number of matches until the processing of new applications. Now we are actively preparing for the League Council, which will be held on May 25. Important and interesting decisions will be made there. We can say, quantitative and qualitative.

On Tuesday, April 25, in the fifth game of the semi-final series, CSKA will play against Lokomotiv in Moscow (the match starts at 8:00 p.m. Moscow time). The fifth UNICS-Zenit match will be held in Kazan on April 26 (the match will start at 8:00 p.m. Moscow time). Live broadcasts of VTB United League matches are available on and other TV channels of the holding, as well as on the websites sportbox.ru and matchtv.ru.