Last Updated on September 30, 2025 12:01 am by André Lemos | Published: September 30, 2025

European basketball doesn’t do quiet summers. Rosters churn, stars hop between juggernauts, and front offices try to out-think one another in the arms race that is the EuroLeague. The 2025-26 season is no exception. We’ve got reigning champs retooling on the fly, classic rivals sharpening their edges, and a brand-new entrant from Dubai trying to muscle into the conversation. This isn’t just a list of names on jerseys, it’s a reshuffling of the power map across a league that demands both depth and adaptability.

What makes this season especially fascinating is the sheer diversity of team-building approaches. Fenerbahce lose leaders but double down on spacing and wing play. Panathinaikos hoard depth like it’s currency, building three lineups’ worth of firepower. Olympiacos make defense their obsession after last year’s bruises, while Real Madrid lean on continuity and a steady drip of younger legs. Monaco, meanwhile, throw Nikola Mirotic into the mix like a live grenade, will it blow the doors open or cause just as many headaches? Each contender has a flaw to sweat, a bet to cash, and a story to prove.

And then there’s the chaos below. Efes might have the meanest backcourt rotation in the league. Barcelona are rolling the dice on veterans holding up for nine months. Milano are a coin flip between brilliance and collapse. Newcomer Dubai BC might be basketball’s version of an expansion fantasy team, while Maccabi are daring everyone to try and keep up with their pace. Zalgiris will scrap, Partizan will frustrate, and Asvel… well, let’s just say someone has to take the bruises at the bottom. It’s going to be messy, it’s going to be unpredictable, and it’s going to be fun. Let’s rank ’em.

 

Tier 1: Elite Contenders

1. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Fenerbahce enter the 2025-26 EuroLeague season as reigning champions, but with a roster that has undergone significant turnover. Losing Nigel Hayes-Davis and Errick McCollum removes two central figures from their championship run, creating a void in leadership, scoring, and playmaking. Yet the offseason additions provide both depth and versatility. Brandon Boston brings potential as a future starting wing capable of improving ball movement, while Talen Horton-Tucker adds another scoring option in the backcourt. Armando Bacot strengthens the frontcourt, offering rebounding, interior scoring and some floor-spacing ability, while Mikael Jantunen can help boost three-point shooting from the 4. Bonzie Colson may assume a role similar to Nigel Hayes-Davis on the Forward positions, providing secondary scoring and defensive versatility.

Defensively, Fenerbahce were elite last season and that identity should remain largely intact. Their main vulnerability was interior defense, with Khem Birch carrying much of the load. Bacot’s addition helps offset that gap, but his slower footwork could be exposed by quicker guards, especially in pick-and-roll situations. Birch is expected to remain the starter, while the rotation including Nicolo Melli and Jilson Bango provides enough size and defensive capability to maintain high standards on that end.

Offensively, Fenerbahce are loaded with weapons. Last season, they were fifth in three-point percentage and third in attempts and the additions of Jantunen, Bacot and Boston provide new spacing and scoring options. The wings: Wade, Biberovic, Wilbekin (if healthy) and Bonzie, give the team multiple scoring threats and Talen Horton-Tucker can take on some playmaking duties while still being a solid scoring option. If health holds and chemistry develops quickly, Fenerbahce have the pieces to make a serious run and could realistically defend their title, with Jasikevicius likely tweaking the offense to maximize both spacing and versatility.

 

2. Panathinaikos Aktor

Panathinaikos enter the 2025-26 EuroLeague season as one of the deepest and most versatile rosters in the competition. Coach Ergin Ataman has built a squad that could realistically field three competitive lineups at any given time and the new additions only reinforce that depth. TJ Shorts arrives to provide additional playmaking, though his role will likely be smaller than what he had in Paris; surrounded by elite defenders and a cohesive system, he may thrive as a more efficient contributor. The bench has been bolstered by Toliopoulos and Rogkavopoulos, while Richaun Holmes provides size, athleticism and scoring at the center position, addressing some of last year’s frontcourt limitations.

Offensively, Panathinaikos remain elite. They led the EuroLeague in offensive rating last year, and the addition of Holmes and bench scoring pieces increases options in transition, pick-and-roll, and spacing. Nunn and Sloukas continue to anchor the backcourt, while Juancho Hernangomez and Cedi Osman provide versatile scoring and floor spacing. With Grigonis and Lessort returning to full health, the team should regain much of the consistency that propelled them last season. Ataman’s system rewards players who can switch defensively and move the ball efficiently, and with this roster, that philosophy can operate at a high level across multiple rotations.

The only notable concern is frontcourt size. Both of the potential starting centers are around 2.06 meters, which could create mismatches against larger lineups. While switching and mobility help mitigate this, Panathinaikos may struggle against teams with dominant interior scoring. Still, the roster’s balance, offensive firepower and depth make them a favorite to contend, assuming health holds and key contributors like Juancho maintain last season’s form.

 

3. Olympiacos Piraeus

Olympiacos enter the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with a clear focus on shoring up the defensive weaknesses that plagued them last year. Despite finishing with the fifth-best defensive rating, last season often felt like an open highway, with Vezenkov, Peters, Fournier and Fall struggling to provide consistent rim protection or perimeter coverage. Olympiacos’ offseason addressed these gaps thoughtfully: Tyson Ward adds a versatile 3-and-D presence capable of guarding top perimeter scorers, Donta Hall brings rim protection and lob threat ability that Fall lacked and Kostas Antetokounmpo offers further versatility and size in the frontcourt. Keenan Evans, if healthy, will help replace some of Nigel Williams-Goss’s consistency at the point while improving rim pressure and secondary playmaking.

Defensively, this team now has more balance and flexibility. Ward can switch across multiple positions, Hall can contest shots and protect the paint and players like Ntikilina provide perimeter disruption. The frontcourt rotation with Milutinov, Hall and Kostas allows for more aggressive pick-and-roll coverage and better help defense, addressing one of Olympiacos’ main structural problems. On paper, these additions could elevate them into one of the more reliable defensive teams in the league, particularly in high-leverage moments.

Offensively, Bartzokas’ system remains intact: high assist percentages, off-ball movement, and spacing to maximize shooters and versatile wings. Players like Evans, Saben Lee, and Dorsey offer the ability to create their own shots when needed, complementing Vezenkov and Fournier’s scoring. Olympiacos’ offense will be balanced and fluid, with improved defensive personnel providing more transition opportunities. This combination of shored-up defense and consistent offensive execution positions them as a strong playoff contender, though health and chemistry will be critical in fully realizing their potential.

 

4. Real Madrid

Real Madrid enter the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with their core largely intact, even after losing Musa, one of last year’s key pieces. The team addressed depth issues with shrewd signings: Trey Lyles brings a much-needed stretch-four presence, Theo Maledon adds a playmaking and scoring boost and younger legs like Gabriele Procida and David Kramer inject dynamism into the second unit. Scariolo’s system, historically elite on defense, will benefit from this roster’s versatility and rim protection, led by Walter Tavares, while off-ball actions and “grenade” sets will generate spacing and mismatches on offense.

Madrid’s defensive identity remains strong. With Scariolo orchestrating rotations and leveraging players like Tavares and Garuba as anchors, the team is positioned to be one of the better units on that end in the league. The addition of versatile forwards such as Okeke allows Madrid to switch more effectively and cover multiple positions, addressing some of last year’s defensive inconsistencies. Depth and youth also give them energy to contest shots and push the pace when needed.

Offensively, the focus will be on spacing, slashing, and maximizing off-ball movement. Lyles’ shooting opens up opportunities for Hezonja and other wings to play more naturally at the three, while Procida’s slashing ability and Kramer’s off-ball creativity add unpredictability to the second unit. Turnovers were a problem last season, particularly from Campazzo, so their ability to protect the ball and sustain rhythm will be a determining factor in how far this team can go. Overall, Madrid remains a top contender with a balance of experience, youth, and strategic versatility.

 

5. AS Monaco Basket

Monaco’s run to the EuroLeague final last season felt like a culmination of years of steady growth, but this summer’s additions suggest they are far from satisfied. Bringing in Nikola Mirotic is the headliner move: an MVP-level talent who can score inside or stretch defenses to the perimeter and one who gives Monaco the ability to pivot away from being so guard-centric. Pair him with Mike James, a two-time MVP in his own right and you have a duo capable of carrying an offense deep into spring. Add Nemanja Nedovic as a microwave scorer off the bench and Kevarrius Hayes as a rim protector and suddenly Monaco look deeper, more versatile and better equipped to win close games than a year ago.

The offense is where this team could take the biggest leap. Last season, Monaco ranked near the bottom in three-point attempts, surviving on efficiency and discipline rather than volume. That might change now. With Mirotic spacing the floor, Nedovic adding instant shooting and a roster that already includes Okobo and Diallo, the pieces are there to finally embrace the long ball without sacrificing shot quality. Coach Vassilis Spanoulis has shown a knack for disguising his team’s weaknesses and building schemes that accentuate his stars. Expect Monaco to play with the same controlled style, keeping turnovers low, but with more weapons, more floor balance and more ways to score than ever before.

The challenge will be on the other end. Monaco’s identity last year was forged on defense, with Alpha Diallo and Jaron Blossomgame doing the dirty work and anchoring lineups against tougher matchups. That intensity will need to hold steady, because Mirotic and Nedovic bring as many questions defensively as they do answers offensively. The saving grace is Monaco’s depth: Spanoulis can rotate in versatile stoppers around his stars and design coverages to minimize the cracks. The path back to the EuroLeague final is brutally difficult, but with the blend of experience, depth and firepower now on hand, this feels like Monaco’s best window to turn promise into silverware.

 

Tier 2: Playoff expectation

6. Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Anadolu Efes enter the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with a roster deliberately built for disruption. Their backcourt overhaul is striking, Jordan Loyd and Sehmus Hazer arrive fresh off impressive EuroBasket runs, while Nick Weiler-Babb and Isaia Cordinier join a group that already featured Shane Larkin, PJ Dozier and Rodrigue Beaubois. That’s a perimeter rotation loaded with length, versatility, and quickness. Defensively, this has the makings of one of the most suffocating guard units in the competition, the type that can hound opposing creators for 40 minutes and make every dribble feel contested. If you’re a guard lining up against Efes, you’re in for a long night.

Kokoskov’s group should also look radically different in tempo. Last year they sat in the bottom tier of pace and possessions, but the new mix suggests something else entirely. Adding Kai Jones, a true rim-runner with NBA-level athleticism, gives them the vertical dimension that had been missing. With more youth sprinkled across the roster and a coach who favors faster systems, expect Efes to push the ball after rebounds, force turnovers out of their guard pressure, and turn games into track meets. The offensive system itself already looks intriguing in preseason flashes, with corner dribble handoffs, ghost screens before pick-and-rolls, and a heavy PnR diet designed to put Larkin, Loyd and Dozier in their comfort zones.

The one red flag is the wing spot. Losing Elijah Bryant leaves a hole that nobody on the current roster neatly fills, which could force Efes into three-guard lineups or extended minutes for PJ Dozier and Isaia Cordinier at the 3. While Efes boast defensive depth, multiple creators and a strong frontcourt anchored by Vincent Poirier (expected back around the turn of the year), the small forward position remains the swing factor that could determine whether this team belongs in the elite tier or just below it. That said, the foundation is solid: elite guard defense, a pace shift powered by new personnel, and a coach who knows how to orchestrate it. If Efes figure out that wing rotation, they’re not just contenders. They’re a nightmare matchup waiting to happen.

 

7. FC Barcelona

Barcelona head into the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with a roster that feels increasingly top-heavy and vulnerable. Adding Toko Shengelia and Will Clyburn gives them more veteran firepower and scoring versatility, but it also adds to an already aging core. Health will be a major concern, Clyburn and Nico Laprovittola are key pieces, and if either misses significant time, the team loses both offensive balance and defensive stability. Offensively, the lineup of KP, Nico (if healthy), Clyburn, Toko, and any of their centers is formidable, but there’s a clear lack of off-ball creators to generate consistent spacing and good looks without the ball. Last season’s issues defending the pick-and-roll, especially giving up 58 percent from two, were not addressed, leaving lingering questions about their defensive ceiling.

The offseason losses of Justin Anderson and Metu hit Barcelona hard on defense. Both were the team’s best perimeter defenders, and replacing their impact won’t be easy. The frontcourt remains the same, meaning their struggles against PnR-heavy offenses will likely persist. Health aside, Laprovittola’s return offers another ball-handler and scoring option, which could help offset some of the gaps created by aging wings, but he will need to return to his previous form for it to matter. With multiple players capable of scoring, there’s also the risk of a “my turn, your turn” offense, which can create rhythm issues and limit efficient spacing.

Barcelona’s ceiling this year looks like a play-in or lower-tier playoff team without home-court advantage. They can still score effectively, and the frontcourt rotation has size and experience, but the lack of defensive upgrades, aging wings, and health concerns cap their potential. Penarroya will need to extract maximum value from his veterans and hope for minimal injuries; otherwise, this team risks underperforming relative to its talent on paper. The season will likely be defined by whether Clyburn, Laprovittola, and the core can stay on the floor and find chemistry on both ends.

 

8. EA7 Milano

EA7 Milano enter the 2025-26 EuroLeague season as a deep, talented, but still somewhat inconsistent roster. Last year, under Ettore Messina, they were elite offensively but a sieve on defense, ranking near the bottom in defensive rating despite leading the league in three-point percentage at 39.5%. This offseason, Milano added guard playmaking in Lorenzo Brown, bigs in Devin Booker and Bryant Dunston, and versatile wings like Vlatko Cancar and Marko Guduric. The roster is now better equipped to run a pick-and-roll heavy offense, with Brown orchestrating, multiple bigs to pair in PnR sets, and scorers like Shields and LeDay able to punish defensive lapses. Guduric adds championship experience, defensive intensity, and scoring versatility, a stabilizing presence on both ends.

Offensively, this team can be dynamic. The Brown-Nebo pairing recalls some of those Maccabi days, with floor spacing, rim running, and secondary options like LeDay, Shields, and Bolmaro creating a multi-dimensional attack. Expect a lot of PnR action, backdoor cuts, and post-ups where mismatches present themselves. The wings can stretch the floor or attack closeouts, while multiple frontcourt profiles allow Messina flexibility in rotations. If healthy, Milano can create offense in every way imaginable, combining shooting, size, and playmaking in a way few teams can match.

Defense remains the question mark. Last season they were the fourth worst in the league, and while Guduric, Cancar, and Booker help, the team will need to be more consistent and engaged across the floor. Injuries are a concern, especially given the reliance on veteran pieces like Dunston and Shields. Realistically, Milano projects as a playoff team, likely without home-court advantage, with upside if they can mesh defensively and remain healthy. The potential is tantalizing, but Messina’s roster has historically swung between brilliance and lapses, making them one of the more unpredictable teams to watch.

 

Tier 3: Playoff aspiration

9. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv

Maccabi Tel Aviv head into the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with a roster built to play fast, score first, and hope the defense improves enough to stay competitive. Last season, they struggled with continuity, low practice time, and a disconnected roster, resulting in the league’s second-highest pace but a bottom-tier defensive rating. The core, led by Tamir Blatt, brought some stability with consistent playmaking, but the team lacked a true first option and defensive anchor. The addition of Lonnie Walker Jr. addresses that scoring void—he’ll be the go-to player, bringing on-ball defense and high-level athleticism, while benefitting from improved spacing and shooters around him.

The frontcourt additions are designed to bring the size and defensive presence that Maccabi lacked last year. Clifford Omoruyi, a 6’11” rim protector who averaged 2.9 blocks per game in his senior season at Rutgers, also offers a strong lob threat and could become the defensive anchor Maccabi desperately needs. Oshae Brissett and T.J. Leaf add athleticism, versatility, and depth at the forward spots. Brissett, paired with Jaylen Hoard, forms an athletic wing duo capable of guarding multiple positions and contesting shots. Ultimately, though, the team’s defensive consistency will hinge on Omoruyi’s ability to stay engaged and anchor their rotations. As for Leaf, he brings upside, but after several years in China, it remains to be seen whether he can translate his game effectively to the EuroLeague level.

Offensively, Maccabi will continue to play at a frenetic pace, leveraging Walker, Blatt, and their new wings to push the ball and create open shots in transition. Spacing has improved, and lob threats like Omoruyi add another dimension to the attack. Yet defense remains the critical question mark: last year they were dead last in defensive rating, and while the new signings help, a general team-wide step up is needed to be competitive. Expect a high-octane, offensively gifted Maccabi team that may struggle to contain elite opponents, making defensive improvement the ultimate test for their season.

 

10. Dubai BC

Dubai BC enter the 2025-26 EuroLeague season as the league’s newest experiment: fresh market, fresh money, and a roster assembled with both upside and questions. The front office made waves in free agency, landing stars like Dzanan Musa, Dwayne Bacon, Filip Petrusev, and Davis Bertans, while adding veterans like Justin Anderson and Aleksa Avramovic to shore up defense and playmaking. At first glance, the core has the tools to put up 20 points on any given night, but the bigger question is fit. Musa and Bacon are both ball-dominant scorers with minimal defensive impact, and making them coexist without creating offensive stagnation or defensive liabilities will be one of Golemac’s first puzzles to solve.

The frontcourt rotation took a major hit with the Jaiteh injury, and while adding Sanli might help soften the blow, the two are completely different profiles of bigs. Petrusev and Kabengele provide size and defensive upside, while Kamenjas is a solid rotation piece, efficient offensively and mobile enough to handle switches while still offering decent rim protection. Sanli, on the other hand, brings valuable shooting at the 5 but comes with defensive limitations. Altogether, this creates a center rotation that falls short of the level typically required for a true EuroLeague contender.

On the positive side, the supporting cast is full of multipurpose players: Anderson, Abass, and Avramovic can contribute both on offense and as defensive specialists, helping to cover the gaps left by Musa and Bacon. Expect Musa to be the go-to scorer, Bacon as the secondary option, and the rest of the roster used strategically to balance floor spacing, rotation minutes, and defensive assignments.

Golemac’s track record with Cedevita suggests Dubai BC will lean into a fast, high-tempo style, built to exploit their athletic wings and versatile forwards. The offense will likely be a mix of early transition bursts, off-ball movement, and pick-and-rolls designed to free Musa and Bacon for open looks, while the supporting cast generates secondary scoring and defensive stops. This is a team with intriguing upside and star power, but chemistry, fit, and center depth will ultimately dictate whether Dubai BC can survive the grind of a EuroLeague season or remain a flashy experiment.

 

11. Crvena Zvezda

Crvena Zvezda heads into the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with a roster that feels like a careful balancing act between maintaining defensive identity and upgrading scoring firepower. Last year, they finished third in the league in defensive rating, thanks to a perimeter-heavy scheme anchored by tough forwards like Codi Miller-McIntyre, Dejan Davidovac, and Nikola Kalinic. That core remains intact, and adding Chima Moneke and Semi Ojeleye provides more versatility and physicality on the wings. The downside? Both Moneke and Ojeleye play essentially the same role, creating a crowded rotation in the 3/4 spots and leaving the team still searching for a true elite center to anchor both ends. Rivero and Uros Plavsic bring size, but neither projects as a game-changing interior presence.

Offensively, the additions of Devonte’ Graham and Jordan Nwora could make a tangible difference. Graham brings a scoring punch that Isaiah Canaan can no longer provide, and if he clicks, there’s real Mike James-level upside in terms of creating off the dribble. Nwora offers athleticism and floor spacing, and a more confident EuroLeague campaign could elevate him into a secondary scoring option capable of opening driving lanes for others. The combination of CMM’s playmaking and Graham’s shooting could create a far more dynamic backcourt than last season, allowing Zvezda to run some sets more aggressively and take advantage of mismatches on the perimeter.

Still, the ceiling of this team is capped by the frontcourt. Against elite bigs, Zvezda may struggle to finish around the rim or protect the paint consistently. Their offense can only reach higher levels if the wings and guards compensate, meaning they’ll need Moneke, Ojeleye, and Nwora to be efficient in scoring and spacing. Defense remains the calling card, and with Sfairopoulos at the helm, expect the team to stay disciplined and opportunistic, particularly on the perimeter. Playoffs seem likely, but without a true center to anchor both ends, home-court advantage and a deep run may remain out of reach.

 

12. Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv

Hapoel enter the 2025-26 EuroLeague season as a team transformed, with fresh investment and a carefully constructed roster designed to compete immediately. Unlike Dubai BC, whose signings were bold but sometimes scattershot, Hapoel focused on surgical additions that complement their existing core. Elijah Bryant emerges as the team’s best player and primary offensive option, surrounded by scorers like Antonio Blakeney and consistent contributors in Chris Jones and Yam Madar. Vasilije Micic, while a marquee name, may not operate as the true go-to guy; his impact will depend on whether he can recapture his peak EuroLeague form. If he does, he could elevate this team to a new level, but relying on him to carry the load is a significant gamble.

The backcourt rotation is a strength, with Jones, Madar, and Ennis providing playmaking, defense, and stability. Micic slots in more as a secondary scorer or floor general, which could maximize his strengths while mitigating his defensive liabilities. Defensively, Hapoel projects to be solid, anchored by Elijah Bryant, Oturo, Malcolm, and Jones, who can pressure opponents and generate turnovers. The lineup has versatility on the wings and perimeter, allowing them to switch, trap, and cover multiple offensive threats.

The frontcourt remains a potential vulnerability. Hapoel’s bigs: Motley, Caboclo and Oturo, share a similar slender build, which could be exploited by more physically imposing frontcourts. Teams that attack the paint or control the glass may find mismatches inside, potentially forcing Hapoel into tough defensive rotations. Still, with balanced scoring, a dynamic backcourt, and players who already understand EuroLeague roles, Hapoel projects as a playoff-caliber team, with their ceiling heavily tied to Micic’s ability to return to form and their bigs’ capacity to hold their own against elite frontcourts.

 

13. Partizan Mozzart Bet

Partizan head into the 2025-26 EuroLeague season looking to stabilize after a turbulent campaign last year. The team struggled with frontcourt construction, relying on Brandon Davies at the 4 and Tyrique Jones at the 5, which created spacing and rebounding issues. Zeljko Obradovic’s system demands versatility and spacing, and last year the slow pace, among the league’s lowest, exposed a lack of frontcourt depth and defensive rebounding problems. This season, the lack of depth in the frontcourt persists, with Tyrique Jones as the only true center, leaving the team thin inside. Dylan Osetkowski and Aleksej Pokuševski provide rotational depth, but neither offers elite rim protection or the physicality needed to anchor the paint.

Shake Milton arrives as the offensive catalyst, pairing with Carlik Jones to form a dynamic backcourt duo capable of creating for themselves and others. Jabari Parker offers scoring versatility as a pop-out forward and can shoulder offensive load when needed, though his defensive shortcomings could be exposed with limited frontcourt support. With Bonga and other athletic wings, Partizan has the perimeter tools to compensate defensively, but paint protection and rebounding remain major questions. Last year they grabbed only 66.2% of available defensive rebounds, and that weakness could define matchups against bigger, more physical EuroLeague teams.

The addition of Muurinen is an intriguing one. A young, extremely lengthy and explosive wing, he is still raw, particularly on the maturity side, but has the tools to contribute on both ends of the floor from day one, as he showed in flashes during the last EuroBasket despite limited minutes. Under the guidance of one of the best coaches in European history, Muurinen could not only make an impact this season but also lay the foundations for a long and successful career.

Offensively, Partizan is expected to pick up the pace compared to last season’s snail-like tempo. Milton and Parker can create instant scoring opportunities in transition, while Obradovic’s system encourages ball movement and spacing to maximize these new additions. The ceiling is intriguing: if the backcourt duo clicks and the frontcourt rotations hold up, Partizan can be competitive in the playoffs. But with thin depth inside and defensive liabilities, consistency will be a challenge, making them a team capable of high peaks but vulnerable in prolonged series.

 

14. Zalgiris Kaunas

Zalgiris enters the 2025-26 EuroLeague season as a familiar mix of excitement and inconsistency. Expect the trademark “hot streaks” that have defined the team in recent years, starting 5-0 or mid-season runs, followed by occasional collapses against weaker teams. Their style remains deliberate and patient, with lots of ball and player movement, but there are hints they might push the pace more this season than last year, when they were the slowest team in EuroLeague.

The backcourt is a significant strength. Nigel Williams-Goss brings experience and can take some of the offensive load off Sylvain Francisco, while Maodo Lo remains a stabilizing force off the bench, able to score efficiently and manage the offense. This trio: Lo, Francisco and NWG, provides one of the strongest guard rotations in the league.

Moses Wright adds verticality to the frontcourt, helping with finishing around the rim and rim protection. Azuolas Tubelis and Laurynas Birutis anchor the paint, but overall the roster lacks size and athleticism on the wings, which could create problems against top-tier, versatile wing players. 3-point shooting remains a concern, as it does not appear to have been fully addressed this offseason.

Defensively, Zalgiris has the pieces to remain elite. They were second in defensive rating last year, and with their mix of disciplined guards and versatile bigs, they could maintain that standard, but may struggle against the league’s most athletic wings. Overall, Zalgiris remains a fun, competitive, and occasionally unpredictable team with potential to challenge at the top if health and consistency align.

 

Tier 4: Dreaming of a play-in spot

15. Valencia

Valencia enter the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with continuity at the core and a few strategic additions aimed at balancing experience and youth. Darius Thompson brings proven EuroLeague playmaking, pairing with Jean Montero to form a dynamic backcourt capable of scoring and facilitating. Neal Sako adds a defensive anchor in the paint while providing lob-threat versatility alongside Thompson, giving the frontcourt more stability and rim protection. De Larrea, after a promising EuroCup campaign, could emerge as a revelation player, adding another layer of unpredictability for opponents.

Pedro Martínez’s system emphasizes pace, and Valencia will look to translate their EuroCup success into the higher-level competition of the EuroLeague. Expect the team to push the ball in transition, maximize possessions, and rely heavily on PnRs and baseline cuts in half-court settings. The combination of young, athletic guards with Thompson’s experience creates an intriguing backcourt mix capable of exploiting mismatches while maintaining high-tempo execution throughout games.

While Valencia has fun elements and a roster built for energetic, high-paced basketball, competing with the EuroLeague elite remains a challenge. Their depth and talent are sufficient for a competitive showing, but consistency and ability to withstand the physicality and defensive intensity of top-tier teams will likely determine whether they can break through to the upper echelon. This season promises exciting basketball, even if Valencia may fall short of serious title contention.

 

16. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia come into the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with more questions than answers, and most of them revolve around Markus Howard. Two seasons ago he was the league’s most lethal scorer, a walking pull-up three who stretched defenses and carried an otherwise limited offense. Last year he dipped to just 12 points per game on middling efficiency, and the team had no alternative creators to ease his burden. Adding Markquis Nowell gives Baskonia another capable playmaker and scorer, at least in theory. Still, Marcus Howard remains the true X-Factor: if he can rediscover his 2023-24 form, Baskonia will be dangerous in stretches; if not, their offense risks grinding to a halt.

The departures of Donta Hall, Kamar Baldwin, and Chima Moneke also strip away much of what made Baskonia competitive last season. Their defense was elite at home but collapsed on the road, and Hall’s rim protection was the glue that made their aggressive perimeter defense viable. Mamadi Diakite could help fill that gap if he adapts quickly to EuroLeague play, and players like Tadas Sedekerskis, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, and Trent Forrest can still pressure ball-handlers and disrupt passing lanes. But without a true anchor inside and with a backcourt duo as undersized as Howard and Nowell (both under 180 cm), this defense risks being more bark than bite, especially against physical teams that dominate the paint.

The wild card is head coach Paolo Galbiati, who brings a faster-paced approach than last year’s plodding style. His Trento teams in the EuroCup thrived on tempo, and this roster, with its mix of athletic forwards and multiple ball-handlers, should benefit from playing quicker. Expect more possessions, more transition looks, and some variety in halfcourt sets thanks to the different skillsets of bigs like Luka Samanic and Khalifa Diop. Still, the margin for error is slim. Without consistent rim protection or a reliable secondary scorer, Baskonia’s ceiling looks like a play-in team, and even that may hinge on Howard rediscovering his magic.

 

17. Paris Basketball

Paris Basketball enter the 2025-26 EuroLeague season almost completely reinvented, with Nadir Hifi standing as the lone returning key piece. The team’s philosophy under new coach Francesco Tabellini will continue to emphasize high-octane, run-and-gun basketball, a style Paris has built its identity around since the Tuomas Iisalo era. Corner threes, off-ball cutting in transition, and frenetic pace will define the offense, with Hifi expected to take an even bigger role as the primary scoring option. Ball pressure and full-court defensive schemes will also remain central, aimed at forcing turnovers and maximizing possessions.

The frontcourt remains a question mark. Last year’s physical deficiencies inside, particularly the lack of size and pace, were exposed against bigger EuroLeague teams and this season’s roster doesn’t fully solve that. Ismael Bako and Derek Willis could provide some stability at center and power forward, while Lamar Stevens and Daulton Hommes add athleticism and versatility, but Paris will still be vulnerable against elite frontcourts. Managing rotations and maintaining the frenetic style without burning out or exposing mismatches will be key.

Expect Paris to lean heavily on pace and space to cover up frontcourt limitations. The combination of corner threes, transition cuts, and relentless defensive pressure could create exciting, high-scoring games, but consistency will be a challenge. With a roster of new NBA-level talent, the team has the tools to surprise, but their ceiling may depend on how well Hifi adapts as the focal point and whether the young forwards and centers can withstand the physicality of the EuroLeague grind.

 

18. Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Virtus enters the 2025-26 EuroLeague season trying to reestablish an identity after a disappointing campaign last year. The team struggled with predictability on offense and health issues, and the departures of Clyburn, Shengelia, and Cordinier left significant holes. Their new additions, however, bring a spark and versatility that could redefine their style. Carsen Edwards is a dynamic scorer and PnR weapon, while Luca Vildoza provides a complementary scoring punch, experience at both guard spots, and defensive versatility. Saliou Niang, coming off a strong EuroBasket, adds energy, defensive intensity, and hustle plays—something the frontcourt sorely lacked last season.

Frontcourt remains a concern. Alen Smailagic and Mouhamet Diouf give the team size and some rim presence, but Virtus could still use a more dominant big man to balance the floor. The roster’s youth and potential are promising, but their ability to compete against deeper, more established EuroLeague frontcourts will be a key factor in their success. Niang’s development and how effectively he integrates will likely dictate how much this team can elevate its ceiling.

Despite questions surrounding Dusko Ivanovic and the new roster’s cohesion, the Virtus backcourt looks significantly improved. Edwards and Vildoza give the team an offensive weapon in every possession, while Niang and the supporting cast offer defensive potential. If the young core can develop quickly and the team finds its rhythm, Virtus could surprise some of the more established clubs this season—but consistency and frontcourt depth remain the major hurdles.

 

19. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich enter the 2025-26 EuroLeague season facing a significant reset, with the core that sparked last year’s fast-paced, three-point heavy offense now gone. The departure of Devin Booker and Carsen Edwards removes their elite PnR duo, while Shabazz Napier’s exit takes away the third-leading scorer and veteran floor general. Last season, Bayern thrived from deep—first in three-point attempts at 32 per game—but struggled inside the arc and at the free-throw line, with turnovers piling up due to their high-tempo style. The new additions, including Kamar Baldwin, Wenyan Gabriel, Stefan Jovic, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Leon Kratzer, Justinian Jessup and the injured Rokas Jokubaitis, don’t appear ready to replicate that production, leaving a scoring gap and some uncertainty in ball-handling.

Defense remains Bayern’s Achilles’ heel. Last season they ranked second-worst in defensive rating, and with no true defensive anchors added, it’s hard to see significant improvement. Their weaknesses inside and on the perimeter make them vulnerable against efficient, big-bodied offenses. While the roster has some athleticism and versatile forwards, structural and positional issues persist, meaning they’ll likely struggle against top-tier EuroLeague teams unless role players step up significantly.

This season will hinge on development and adaptation. Coach Gordie Herbert has some intriguing pieces to experiment with, particularly Justinian Jessup, whose integration could provide a scoring boost and spacing. However, replicating last season’s offensive rhythm seems unlikely, and defensive lapses are expected to continue. Realistically, Bayern are in for a rebuilding year, where growth and chemistry will be the focus rather than immediate success. Play-in qualification is likely, but advancing deeper will be an uphill battle.

 

Tier 5: a long season ahead

20. Asvel

LDLC Asvel head into the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with a roster that projects as one of the league’s weakest. The departures of Theo Maledon, Paris Lee, Sako, and Lauvergne remove much of the scoring, playmaking, and rim protection that helped the team last year, leaving a core that leans heavily on experience rather than depth or talent. Nando De Colo and Thomas Heurtel provide leadership and stability in the backcourt, but neither has the ability to carry this team offensively at a competitive EuroLeague level. Shaquille Harrison and Melvin Ajinca will have expanded roles, but the supporting cast is young and largely untested in Europe’s premier competition.

Ajinca’s increased minutes could be one of the few positive storylines. Getting substantial EuroLeague playing time as a developing player is rare, and he could emerge as a key piece for the future if he adapts quickly. However, the frontcourt depth remains thin, and the team lost significant rim protection with Sako’s exit. The new additions: Glynn Watson Jr., Armel Traore, Bastien Vautier, Bodian Massa and Zac Seljaas, bring potential, but they are largely unproven at this level and will need time to adjust.

Realistically, Asvel’s ceiling this season is low. With a limited budget and a roster built more around development than competitiveness, they are likely to struggle in most matchups. The veteran leadership of De Colo and Heurtel may stabilize the team, and young players like Ajinca will gain valuable experience, but wins will be hard to come by. Continuity and growth are the main goals here, while competing for anything more than a bottom-tier EuroLeague finish seems unlikely.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro, Diogo Valente and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!