EuroLeague 2025/26 Season Preview – Favourites, Rivals and Newcomers

The EuroLeague is back – and this season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in years.

On 30th September, the competition tips off with Dubai making their debut against former champions Partizan, while some of Europe’s biggest names return to the floor with renewed ambition.

Over the course of 38 rounds, fans can expect fierce rivalries, packed arenas and a handful of surprises that will shape the road to the Final Four in Athens.

At tether.bet, we’ll be following every jump shot and buzzer-beater closely because the EuroLeague isn’t just about sport; it’s about strategy, excitement, and the chance to put your knowledge to the test. And to tip off your Euroleague campaign, we have a 100% welcome bonus ready for you!

Fenerbahçe Lead the Way

Fenerbahçe enter the season as reigning champions and looks like the team to beat.

Their blend of proven EuroLeague experience and fresh NBA imports makes them the early favourite.

Coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius finally lifted the trophy last year, removing the weight of expectation at the Turkish giant. His side looks even stronger now. From Scottie Wilbekin’s shooting to Nicolo Melli’s leadership, Fener have the balance required to challenge on every front.

Spain and Greece Remain Strong

Real Madrid remain ever-present in the conversation. No club has a richer history in this competition and their squad is always built for big occasions.

With depth and tactical flexibility, they are the side most likely to push Fenerbahçe across the season.

Barcelona too will be eyeing a return to the Final Four. Their opener against the rich Hapoel Tel Aviv side will provide an early test of whether they can rediscover the consistency that has often eluded them in recent campaigns.

Athens could well be at the centre of it all. Panathinaikos have added significant firepower this summer and with the Final Four set to take place in their home city, the pressure and expectation are greater than ever.

Their local and biggest rivals Olympiacos are also recalibrating. The addition of Frank Ntilikina and a reinforced front line offers renewed hope that they can once again be a force.

New Coaches and Fresh Challenges

Anadolu Efes have entered a new era under Igor Kokoškov. Their style is likely to be built around defensive strength and a backcourt capable of dictating tempo, though questions remain over whether they can find the attacking fluency needed to match the very best.

Monaco, Virtus Bologna and Olimpia Milano are also in the mix, each with enough talent to trouble the favourites if their seasons fall into place.

Dubai’s EuroLeague Debut

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline comes from outside Europe. Dubai join the competition with a squad featuring familiar EuroLeague names like Dzanan Musa, Davis Bertans and Filip Petrušev.

Their entry has been met with curiosity and scepticism in equal measure, but with serious investment and a roster full of proven talent, they could cause problems for established contenders.

A play-off run may be ambitious in their first year, yet no one is quite sure how high their ceiling might be.

Further down the line, Bayern Munich and Zalgiris Kaunas represent clubs with strong traditions and passionate fan bases. Both are capable of upsetting bigger names, though sustaining form over 38 rounds remains the challenge.

Partizan and Crvena Zvezda, meanwhile, carry the weight of Belgrade’s basketball culture. With their home courts among the most intimidating in Europe, they could once again have a major say in who reaches the play-offs.

Athens Awaits

What is certain is that this year’s EuroLeague will be defined by fine margins. Travel, injuries and the grind of a long regular season always play their part, but so too does the ability to perform when it matters most.

With the Final Four returning to Athens, the narrative almost writes itself: can Panathinaikos turn home advantage into glory, will Fenerbahçe defend their crown, or is this the year a dark horse like Dubai or Hapoel Tel Aviv breaks through?

The answers will come soon enough.

Until then, fans can prepare for months of high-intensity basketball, where every possession matters and every round reshapes the picture.

And for those following on tether.bet, the EuroLeague is not just a spectacle to enjoy but a competition to engage with – a stage where knowledge, instinct and timing can make all the difference.