In his speech, VTB United League president Sergei Ivanov noted the significance of the fact that the tournament has received international status. In September 2013, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) granted the VTB United League, which was created in 2008, the status of an official European club competition.
The 2013–2014 season began on October 5. Twenty teams from nine countries will participate in the 5th VTB United League championship. Mr Ivanov also announced that a VTB United League youth tournament will be launched for the first time this year.