By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Basketball Champions League returns for Season 11 on Tuesday.
Following the Qualification Rounds in Samokov, the standard format of 32 teams split into eight groups launches the Regular Season. As Eurohoops revealed in February, both finalists this season are expected to earn direct entry into a newly formed top-tier continental league widely referred to as NBA Europe.
This massive prize makes the road to the title ruthless. Under this intense pressure, only the group winners advance straight to the Round of 16. Second- and third-place teams must fight through best-of-three Play-In series. For the bottom teams, the BCL campaign ends after just six games.
Originally launched in 2016 as a new league designed to promote teams beyond those from traditional European powerhouses. From its inception, it was built to present a highly competitive stage for young prospects, many of whom have since flourished into the NBA. These efforts proved highly successful. Today, however, the stakes are higher than ever before.
Heavyweight organizations have overhauled their rosters over the summer. Now, several legitimate championship contenders have emerged, ready to clash for the crown and a coveted spot in the Old Continent’s top tier.
Ready to battle
Naturally, defending champions Rytas enter the 2026–27 season with a massive target on their back. The Lithuanian powerhouse aims to guard its throne against a heavily upgraded field. They headline the preliminary groups alongside several hungry former champions and finalists.
In Group C, lasting original AEK enters its 11th consecutive Champions League campaign. The Greek club holds the record as the only team to play in every single season. Driven to end an eight-year title drought, the organization added elite veteran experience to launch a deep run.
This mix of tradition and new ambition stretches across the rest of the field, including Galatasaray MCT Technic in Group B. They stand out as a formidable contender building specifically for a title push. Unicaja commands the spotlight in Group E following a major summer overhaul.
Meanwhile, Groups G and H feature ALBA Berlin and Asisa Joventut, bringing immense prestige to the league. UCAM Murcia, BMA365 Bamberg Baskets, and Openjobmetis Varese stand ready in Group D to challenge the heavy favorites.
Stars chasing the title
Ultimately, individual talent will dictate who survives the road to NBA Europe. No name carries more weight in this pursuit than Ricky Rubio. The former NBA pass-master had returned to his childhood club at Badalona, and is now joined by fellow club icon Nicolas Laprovittola.
The star power expands across every group. Galata carries an explosive pairing of Alen Smailagic and Dyshawn Pierre to support their championship ambitions. At the same time, AEK is looking for more from Frank Bartley IV, who previously led the club to a championship game appearance and was named Most Valuable Player of the 2025–26 season. All eyes will also track Willy Hernangomez with Unicaja.
With the stars aligned and the prize shimmering on the horizon, the margin for error is zero. For these 32 participating teams, every minor detail will define their future.
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