Setting the Stage for EuroLeague 2025/26
As the 2025/26 EuroLeague season approaches, our channel assembles a panel of seasoned analysts to forecast a year that promises high drama. The league has expanded to 20 teams, with Dubai entering the competition and a return to a broader, more international slate. For Israeli fans, the calendar carries extra intrigue: Maccabi Tel Aviv remains a staple of the competition, while Hapoel Tel Aviv is stepping into the elite tier after a landmark EuroCup title. The pundits weigh the strengths, weaknesses, and chemistry battles that could shape a memorable campaign in the EuroLeague 2025/26 season.
The Analysts’ Big Predictions
Champion
Consensus is hard to come by, but most analysts peg Olympiacos as the team to beat, thanks to a veteran-core and a relentless defensive approach. A solid faction believes Panathinaikos could push the Reds to the brink with a revitalized roster, while a few optimists argue for an outsider like Fenerbahce stepping forward. In short, the championship picture is crowded, with Olympiacos holding a slight edge in trust, yet any of the big Greek clubs could emerge on top on a given night.
Runner-Up
Panathinaikos is frequently named as the prime challenger, riding the wave of new acquisitions and continuity. Others point to Fenerbahçe’s star power as a pathway to the final, while a minority sees a late surge from a developing club that benefits from a favorable schedule and strong coaching. The runner-up debate is a tight race, often decided by late-season form and health.
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
The MVP race is wide open, with several candidates from the league’s top franchises. A guard from Olympiacos is a common pick for his high usage and two-way impact, while Panathinaikos has a pair of scorers who could also vie for the award. The consensus is that the winner will be a player who dominates minutes, translates points into wins, and elevates teammates in critical moments.
Disappointment of the Season
One clear thread among the predictions is caution for a team that many expect to slide. The new, deep-pocketed clubs carry pressure, and the challenge of integrating a fresh nucleus can backfire if chemistry doesn’t gel quickly. Dubai’s squad, in particular, faces the heavy task of adapting to Europe’s pace and style, which may result in a rough start before adjustments take hold.
Where Maccabi Tel Aviv Finishes
Most analysts project Maccabi Tel Aviv to secure a solid playoff position, likely hovering in the upper half of the standings. The team’s blend of European experience and domestic talent should keep them in the mix, though consistency against the league’s heavyweights will determine how far they advance. Expectations center on a deep rotation and late-season momentum that could push them into a coveted quarterfinal slot.
Where Hapoel Tel Aviv Finishes
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s first season in the expanded field is seen as a proving ground. If the new signings click and the coaching staff unlocks a cohesive system quickly, they could climb into the top eight. However, early chemistry hurdles and travel demands may keep them closer to the middle of the pack until they gain confidence in road environments across Europe.
Top Scorer
The race for the league’s scoring title is likely to be led by a high-usage player from one of the big clubs. Expect a guard from Olympiacos or Panathinaikos to post impressive points-per-game numbers, especially against the league’s smaller defenses. The top scorer will need both volume and efficiency to break away in a crowded field.
Breakout Player
Look for a young breakout talent to emerge from Maccabi Tel Aviv or a similarly ambitious roster. The season’s pace, combined with opportunities in the rotation, could launch a second-year standout into MVP conversations by the spring, as coaches lean on promising wings or bigs who can stretch defenses.
Coach of the Year
The Coach of the Year landscape favors leaders who maximize a team’s talent and extract wins in tight matches. A coach who guides a rising squad into the upper echelon late in the year or one who orchestrates a successful culture shift will be the frontrunner, with several contenders in the mix.
Israeli Standout
There is a near-unanimous consensus that the best Israeli performer this season will come from Maccabi Tel Aviv. The betting odds favor a player who can deliver scoring spurts, leadership on the floor, and a steady defensive impact—an identity that resonates with the Israeli basketball community and fans across the country.
One Clear Consensus
Across categories, there is one unanimous thread: the Israeli standout will be a Maccabi Tel Aviv player, a fact that underscores the franchise’s role as the country’s flagship EuroLeague program and its ongoing pipeline of homegrown talent.
Fantasy Corner
Fantasy EuroLeague enthusiasts can start drafting now. The game is live on Shoof and 5Fantasy apps, with options to join, manage rosters, and compete for league prizes. It’s a practical way to engage with the season’s narrative—watching the predictions translate into fantasy performance week by week.
