Season at a Glance: New Faces and Old Power
The 2025/26 EuroLeague season is set to be a calendar of intrigue. The league has expanded to 20 teams, blending established giants with fresh wealth and ambition. On the domestic front, Israeli basketball fans are spoiled: Maccabi Tel Aviv remains a perennial force, and Hapoel Tel Aviv joins the EuroLeague after their EuroCup triumph, bringing a glamorous new storyline to the continent. Panathinaikos strengthened with T.J. Shorts, Olympiakos remains a pillar of consistency, and Fenerbahce is hungry to defend its title despite a measured bleed of assets. A Dubai-based club also joins the mix, signaling the league’s continued globalization. Ahead of the opening tip, Channel’s EuroLeague experts share their forecasts—ranging from the ultimate champion to the breakout performer of the season.
Champions and Runners-Up: Who Takes the Crown?
Across the panel, predictions diverge widely. There is one clear point of agreement: the title chase will be wide open, with several teams in realistic contention. Olympiakos is consistently cited as a title threat thanks to depth, coaching continuity, and playoff experience. Panathinaikos remains a dangerous option, capable of stringing together momentum when the defense clicks. Fenerbahce is again in the mix, leveraging athleticism and versatility, while the Dubai entrant adds a wild-card element that offers both risk and reward. The consensus ends there; the rest of the field is a blend of teams with different strengths and strategies, ready to cause surprises on the road to the Final Four.
Why Olympiakos Remains a Pillar
The panel repeatedly mentions Olympiakos’s disciplined defense, balanced offense, and coaching stability as their recipe for success. Even as rosters turn over, the core system and winning culture keep them in the upper echelon, capable of keeping pace with the most stacked lineups in Europe.
Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv: Israeli Clubs’ Fortunes
For Maccabi Tel Aviv, the challenge is clear: translate domestic success into sustained EuroLeague relevance amid a tougher 20-team field. Their proven pedigree provides a solid foundation, but the schedule and depth tests will be sharper than in recent campaigns. Hapoel Tel Aviv faces an even steeper learning curve—their first EuroLeague season will hinge on how quickly the squad acclimates to the pace, scouting reports, and playoff pressure. For Israeli fans, both clubs symbolize a broader narrative about resilience, adaptation, and the demands of competing at Europe’s highest level.
Maccabi’s Path in the Expanded 20-Team Field
Expect them to battle for a spot in the upper half, with home courts as crucial advantages. Their ability to win in road environments and grind out tight wins will determine whether they press into the Top 8 or settle for a challenging yet chartable mid-table finish.
Hapoel’s First EuroLeague Run
Hapoel’s EuroLeague debut will be about acclimation and identity. If they can defend deeply, rotate effectively, and maximize opportunities on the offensive glass, they can become a frequent upset candidate and a magnet for the crowd’s energy.
Key Players to Watch
Predictions split on the star power that will shape the season. The MVP conversation features at least two strong candidates from established powerhouses, along with a breakout season from a young talisman on a rising team. Expect a veteran guard from a powerhouse club to lead the charge in scoring, while a versatile forward from another top team could emerge as a premier two-way force. The league’s depth means there will be night after night of standout performances and surprise contributions from players outside the usual suspects.
Coaching, Strategy, and the Coach of the Year
Coaching creativity will be a differentiator. The Coach of the Year could come from a team that defies expectations, leveraging tactical tweaks, player development, and resilience in tight contests. With more parity than ever, those who maximize rotations and minute distribution will have the edge in late-season pushes for the playoffs.
Prediction Snapshot: Consensus vs. Debate
There is near-universal agreement that Olympiakos will be a top-four, title-contending team. Beyond that, opinions diverge dramatically, mirroring a season that promises drama, upsets, and evolving styles. The 2025/26 EuroLeague won’t merely test elite talent; it will reveal which teams adapt fastest to the expanded field and which stars rise to define a new era of European basketball.
