EuroLeague 2025/26: Expanded Teams and a Grand Finale in Athens
EuroLeague 2025/26: Expanded Teams and a Grand Finale in Athens
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The 2025/26 EuroLeague season is set to redefine European basketball with a historic expansion from 18 to 20 teams, a thrilling 38-round regular season, and a climactic Final Four in Athens at the Telekom Center Athens (capacity: 18,000+). Officially announced on September 10, 2025, by Euroleague Basketball, this season welcomes Valencia Basket, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Dubai Basketball, replacing ALBA Berlin and bringing fresh energy to the court.
Key Features of the 2025/26 EuroLeague Season
Expansion to 20 Teams Approved by the Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) Assembly in June 2025, the leap to 20 teams extends the regular season to 38 rounds (380 games total), with each team facing all others twice (home and away). The top six advance directly to the playoffs, 7th to 10th compete in a Play-In Showdown, and 11th to 20th are eliminated, ensuring every game counts. New Competitive Balance Standards (CBS) promote parity, making upsets more likely.- Tip-Off: September 30, 2025, with a double-round week to spark excitement.
- Regular Season: Runs through mid-April 2026, primarily on Thursdays and Fridays, shifting to Tuesdays and Wednesdays during FIBA windows (e.g., November 2025 qualifiers).
- Playoffs and Final Four: Play-In games on April 21 and 24, 2026; best-of-five playoffs start April 28; the Final Four, hosted in Athens, is set for May 22-24, 2026, with only semifinals and the championship game.
- End Date: The champion is crowned on May 24, 2026, at Telekom Center Athens, fueling anticipation for the 2026 FIBA World Cup.
Athens, a basketball epicenter, hosts the 2026 Final Four at the renovated Telekom Center Athens (OAKA Indoor Arena), selected over Belgrade in an 8-3 vote. With over 18,000 seats, the 2004 Olympic venue—home to Panathinaikos—promises an electric atmosphere. This marks Athens’ second hosting after Panathinaikos’ 2007 triumph, backed by a €9 million investment from the Greek government.
All 20 EuroLeague Teams for 2025/26
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Team
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Country
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Venue
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Key Notes
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|---|---|---|---|
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Anadolu Efes Istanbul
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Turkey
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Sinan Erdem Dome (16,000)
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Perennial contenders
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AS Monaco
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France
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Salle Gaston Médecin (5,000)
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French rising stars
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Barcelona
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Spain
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Palau Blaugrana (7,585)
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Spanish giants
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Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz
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Spain
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Fernando Buesa Arena (15,504)
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High-octane offense
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Bayern Munich
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Germany
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BMW Park (6,700)
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German powerhouse
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Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade
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Serbia
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Aleksandar Nikolić Hall (8,000)
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Belgrade intensity
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|
Dubai Basketball
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UAE
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Dubai Arena (TBA)
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First Middle Eastern team
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EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
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Italy
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Mediolanum Forum (12,700)
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Italian resurgence
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Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul
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Turkey
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Ülker Sports Arena (13,059)
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2025 champions
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Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv
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Israel
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Menora Mivtachim Arena (10,383)
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Passionate debutants
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LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne
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France
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Astroballe (5,556)
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French consistency
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Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv
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Israel
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Menora Mivtachim Arena (10,383)
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Israeli legends
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Olympiacos Piraeus
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Greece
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Peace and Friendship Stadium (11,640)
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Greek passion
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Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens
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Greece
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Telekom Center Athens (18,300)
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2024 champions
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Paris Basketball
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France
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Adidas Arena (8,000)
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NBA-inspired flair
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Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade
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Serbia
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Štark Arena (18,386)
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Serbian energy
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Real Madrid
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Spain
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WiZink Center (15,000)
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11-time champions
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Valencia Basket
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Spain
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Roig Arena (15,000)
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Spanish returnees
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Virtus Segafredo Bologna
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Italy
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Segafredo Arena (9,980)
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Italian revival
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Zalgiris Kaunas
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Lithuania
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Žalgiris Arena (15,415)
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Baltic pride
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Players to Watch in the 2025/26 EuroLeague Season
T.J. Shorts (Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)
T.J. Shorts, the dynamic point guard, joins Panathinaikos on a two-year deal, bringing his 2024/25 MVP-level play (17.2 PPG, 6.1 APG) to Athens. His lightning-fast drives and clutch scoring make him a key figure for a home Final Four push.- Brandon Boston Jr. (Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul)
Fenerbahce’s new signing, Brandon Boston Jr., adds NBA flair to the defending champions. The former LA Clipper’s athleticism and scoring versatility (14.3 PPG in G League) could make him a breakout star in Istanbul. -
Nemanja Nedovic (AS Monaco)
Nemanja Nedovic, freshly signed with Monaco, brings his sharpshooting (career 38% from three) and veteran leadership. His ability to stretch defenses will be crucial for Monaco’s playoff aspirations. - Filip Petrusev (Dubai Basketball
Dubai’s big man Filip Petrusev, coming from Olympiacos, offers size and skill (10.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG in 2024/25). His interior presence will anchor the newcomers’ historic EuroLeague debut. - Vasilije Micic (Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv)
Hapoel’s blockbuster signing, Vasilije Micic, one of the EuroLeague’s highest-paid players, returns with championship pedigree (2021 MVP). His playmaking (6.3 APG career) will ignite Tel Aviv’s campaign. - Nikola Mirotic (AS Monaco)
Nikola Mirotic, moving from Olimpia Milan to Monaco, brings his All-EuroLeague scoring (16.9 PPG in 2024/25). His versatility and clutch performance could lead Monaco to Athens.
Standout Storylines for 2025/26
Dubai Basketball’s historic entry as the first non-European team opens new markets. Fans on X are buzzing: “Dubai in EuroLeague? Basketball’s going global!” Neutral-site games may be used for Israeli teams due to regional logistics.-
With Panathinaikos and Olympiacos eyeing a home triumph, Athens could see a Greek champion for the first time since 2007. The city’s basketball-mad culture will amplify the drama.
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Valencia Basket’s return strengthens Spanish rivalries, while Hapoel Tel Aviv’s EuroCup pedigree adds fire. The Belgrade derby (Crvena Zvezda vs. Partizan) at Štark Arena remains a highlight.
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The 38-game season and Play-In format test players like T.J. Shorts and Nikola Mirotic. Teams with NBA ties, like Paris Basketball and AS Monaco, could upset giants like Real Madrid.
Track player stats, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content to stay fully immersed in the season’s journey. Catch all the EuroLeague action on EuroLeague TV, available in over 200 countries worldwide. From buzzer-beaters to breakout stars, every moment is just a click away.Do not forget to secure your seats for regular-season matchups and for the ultimate showdown—the Athens Final Four—tickets will be available soon at ReservedSection.com. Stay tuned and keep in touch with us for exclusive access and updates!