Season Preview: A Double-Header for Israeli Fans
The 2025/26 EuroLeague season is poised to explode onto the courts with a new sense of scale and drama. Israel’s basketball narrative returns to the forefront as Maccabi Tel Aviv remains a constant flagship, and its neighbor Hapoel Tel Aviv enters the competition after lifting the EuroCup title. A star-studded roster and a 20-team field set the stage for a campaign that promises fast breaks, buzzer-beaters, and plenty of strategic chess on the sidelines.
Across the league, the expansion adds fresh rivalries and deeper competition. Panathinaikos added TJ Shorts to a lineup intent on reclaiming top-level glory, while Olympiacos, reinforced by a traditional power base, will look to sustain its status as a championship contender. Fenerbahçe remains hungry to defend its status as a title hopeful, and a Dubai-based club joins the field with deep pockets and high expectations. With so many variables, it’s no surprise fans are lining up for every piece of analysis before tip-off.
The Expert Panel Speaks: Categories and Colors
Ahead of the opening tip, EuroLeague’s channel experts gathered to forecast the season. They touched on a broad slate of categories: champion, runner-up, most valuable player, the biggest disappointment, final standings for Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv, top scorer, breakout player, coach of the year, and the Israeli standout. The responses were diverse in tone and reasoning, reflecting the unpredictable nature of a 20-team league with multiple legitimate contenders. There is one point of consensus, however: Olympiacos is still in the mix as a leading force, and the debate around the champion is wide open beyond their level of sustained competitiveness.
Champion and Runner-Up: Tug-of-War at the Top
Few agreements emerged about the season’s ultimate champion. Some analysts argue that Olympiacos should again be counted among the favorites, thanks to continuity and a proven system. Others point to Panathinaikos’ upgrade and the added firepower from Shorts as serious threats, while a subset believes a Dubai-based powerhouse could disrupt the traditional pecking order. The panel’s takeaway: the title chase will be a stacked, multi-team race with no single team allowed to coast to glory.
MVP and Top Scorer: A Battle for Individual Glory
Expect the MVP race to hinge on the performances of a top club’s star guard or wings, with Olympiacos and Panathinaikos often cited as potential beneficiaries. In parallel, the top scorer figure is a hot topic—TJ Shorts is frequently mentioned as a candidate to push averages at a high pace, given his role and the offensive systems around him. The league’s most electrifying scorers will be those who combine scoring efficiency with playmaking impact in high-leverage moments.
Disappointment and Breakthrough: The Quiet and the Rising
The panel anticipates at least one traditional powerhouse could slip relative to expectations, either through roster turnover, injuries, or a tougher schedule. Conversely, a breakout performer from a newer or retooled squad could grab headlines with unexpected prominence—particularly a guard or forward who thrives in faster tempos and tighter rotations. The year’s breakout candidacy will likely come from a player who crafts their own opportunities and elevates teammates around them.
Standings for Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and the Israeli Spotlight
Both Israeli clubs will be watched closely in a crowded race. The predictions range for Maccabi Tel Aviv, with some forecasters placing them in the upper half of the pack and others confident of sneaking into the playoff picture. Hapoel Tel Aviv, carrying the EuroCup momentum, is expected to punch above their weight but remains a wildcard in a deep field. Amid the látious mix, the panel underscores that Israeli representation matters and the league’s dynamic continues to grow in significance for local fans.
Coach of the Year and the Israeli Standout
The coach of the year discussion centers on leadership and adaptive strategy under pressure. Veterans who manage talent across a long season and newcomers who flip a team’s trajectory are both plausible. For the Israeli standout, most observers suggest a young or mid-career star from Maccabi Tel Aviv could emerge as the country’s brightest beacon, delivering consistent performances while helping the club navigate the league’s tougher stretches.
Fantasy, Fans, and How to Play
For those who crave an extra layer of engagement, the EuroLeague channel’s Fantasy game is back. Fans can join the fantasy competition through Shoops and Channel 5, with updates also available via the 5Fantasy app for Android and iOS. It’s a chance to test predictions as real games unfold, a fun complement to the on-court drama described by the experts.
Bottom Line
As tip-off approaches, the 2025/26 EuroLeague season looks set to deliver high-stakes basketball, strategic ingenuity, and compelling storylines across 20 teams. The expert panel’s forecasts highlight a season with broad competition, a clear emphasis on Olympiacos’ continued excellence, and a year that could redefine national narratives with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv playing pivotal roles on the European stage.
