AS Monaco Basket secures a postponement until July 31
Monaco's commercial court has pushed back to July 31 its ruling on a possible liquidation of AS Monaco Basket, French champion, which is wrestling with over €24 million in debt.
Why did the court grant this extension?
At the May 5 2026 hearing, the court‑appointed trustee disclosed liabilities of €8.2 million as of end‑June, plus €16 million advanced by the Société nationale de financement (SNF). The SNF, a public body, has funded the club since the start of the year to keep the league intact. The original deal called for repayment by June 30, but an amendment extended the advance to cover June salaries and charges, moving repayment to July 31.
What are the takeover prospects?
Before the judge, club officials said talks are progressing with a potential buyer who could wipe out the debts and fund the next season. Without guarantees, the LNB’s financial watchdog has barred ASM from the professional leagues. Consequently, the club appealed to the French Basketball Federation’s (FFBB) appeal commission and asked the court to hold off any liquidation decision until the commission’s verdict on July 24.
Does the prosecutor object?
The prosecutor pushed back, noting the club cannot settle more than €1 million owed to player agents. “The law must apply regardless of prestige or activity. When payable liabilities exceed available assets, the entity is insolvent,” he asserted. This underscores the clash between preserving a champion and enforcing financial rules.
What does this mean for the upcoming season?
If the extension holds, ASM will have breathing room to plan the 2026‑27 campaign with a revised budget, but must still win over sponsors and fans. The LNB schedule may be tweaked depending on the final court ruling and the FFBB commission’s decision. Meanwhile, players like Moustapha Fall and Nicolas Batum keep training, hoping the club regains financial stability soon.
Bottom line
The July 31 postponement gives AS Monaco Basket a crucial breather, yet the legal and fiscal battle continues. The appeal commission’s July 24 verdict will decide whether the Monégasque champion stays in the league or faces forced exit.