By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Shortly after officially confirming the expansion of the BKT EuroCup to 32 teams, Euroleague Basketball announced the participating clubs on Friday.
There is currently one open spot remaining, which will be awarded via a wildcard invitation. Additionally, either AS Monaco or Besiktas is expected to join the EuroLeague for the 2026–27 season, which would open up a second wildcard spot in the second tier of Euroleague Basketball.
Furthermore, a new team based in Rome and backed by NBA superstar Luka Doncic has been included in the list, as previously signaled by CEO Chus Bueno during his recent interview with Eurohoops.
The missing wildcard per Eurohoops sources will be one of the following teams: Girona, Hamburg Towers, Cibona, Burgos, or Legia Warsaw.
2026–27 BKT EuroCup List of Teams ⚡#RoadToGreatness pic.twitter.com/t0ro0BKdA3
— BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) June 12, 2026
Per the press release: “Following approval by the ECA Board, the competition will expand both its number of participating clubs and its format. The 32 teams will be divided into four groups of eight, with 16 teams advancing to the postseason. The playoffs will feature Eighthfinals, Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals, all played in a best-of-three series format.
The expansion of the competition responds to the overwhelming interest shown by clubs across Europe, which have identified the BKT EuroCup as a competition that promotes stability, encourages investment and supports long-term planning among participating clubs, while provides a high-quality framework for teams to compete at the highest level.
The selection of teams was based on the final rankings of their respective domestic leagues, with 22 clubs receiving long-term, five-year licenses and wildcard invitations. The final wildcard, which will complete the list of 32 participating teams, will be announced in the coming days and awarded from among the clubs that submitted the required documentation.
Should any club secure a wildcard in the EuroLeague and therefore vacate its place in the BKT EuroCup, the resulting vacancy will also be filled from among the clubs that have submitted the required documentation.
The list of participants includes representatives from 16 different countries and territories. Italy is the most represented with five clubs: Dolomiti Energia Trento, Umana Reyer Venice, Bertram Tortona, Napoli Basket and Rome. Germany and Turkey follow with four representatives each.
The complete list of teams for the 2026–27 BKT EuroCup will be presented to the next ECA Board for formal approval and subsequently submitted to the General Assembly for ratification.
As a result of this expansion, Euroleague Basketball competitions will count on a total of 52 teams, 20 in the EuroLeague and 32 in the EuroCup, showcasing the highest quality of club basketball on the continent.”
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