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FIBA EuroCup

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FIBA EuroCup
Current season2023–24 FIBA EuroCup
SportBasketball
Founded2002
Teams20
ConfedFIBA Europe
ChampionTUR Beşiktaş Emlakjet
Most champsRUS Lokomotiv Kuban (2 titles), ITA Varese (2 titles)
Related compsEuroLeague, FIBA Europe Cup

FIBA EuroCup. The FIBA EuroCup is an annual professional basketball competition for European clubs, organized by FIBA Europe. It is the second-tier level continental club competition, positioned directly below the premier EuroLeague. The tournament features a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a final to crown the champion, who earns a qualifying berth for the following season's EuroLeague.

History

The competition was established in 2002 as the FIBA Europe League, succeeding the historic FIBA Saporta Cup. Its creation was part of a broader reorganization of European club competitions following the 2000 Euroleague Basketball split. Early editions were dominated by clubs from Spain and Italy, such as Valencia Basket and Varese. The league was rebranded as the FIBA EuroCup in 2008. Throughout its history, it has served as a crucial platform for clubs from emerging basketball nations, including Russia, Turkey, and Germany, to compete on the continental stage. Notable clubs like Lokomotiv Kuban and Galatasaray have used success in this tournament as a springboard to the EuroLeague.

Format

The tournament format has evolved but typically begins with a regular season group stage, where teams are divided into several groups. The group phase employs a double round-robin system, with the top teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages. The knockout phase usually consists of a Round of 16, Quarter-finals, and Semi-finals, often played as two-legged series. The competition culminates in a one-game final, held at a pre-determined neutral venue. Qualification for the tournament is based on a club's performance in its domestic league, such as the Liga ACB, LNB Pro A, or Basketball Bundesliga, with places allocated through the FIBA Europe ranking system.

Teams and participation

The FIBA EuroCup features a diverse array of clubs from across the FIBA Europe zone. Participation is typically around 20 to 24 teams per season. Historically, strong domestic leagues like the VTB United League, Turkish Basketball Super League, and Lega Basket Serie A have been well represented. Famous clubs that have competed include UNICS Kazan, AS Monaco Basket, Joventut Badalona, and Partizan NIS. The competition also provides vital continental experience for teams from countries like Poland, Israel, and Lithuania. Each club's roster often features a mix of local talent and international stars, with many players using the platform to launch careers in the EuroLeague or the NBA.

Finals results

The list of champions reflects the tournament's competitive balance across Europe. Russian club Lokomotiv Kuban and Italian side Varese jointly hold the record with two titles each. Other notable winners include Valencia Basket (2003), Hapoel Jerusalem (2004), and Beşiktaş Emlakjet (2024). The finals have been hosted in various cities, including Charleroi, Kazan, and Istanbul. Recent finals have often featured clubs from Turkey and Germany, such as ratiopharm Ulm and Bahçeşehir Koleji, highlighting the tournament's role in developing basketball in these regions.

Records and statistics

The competition's all-time leading scorer is often a player who has had a long career in European basketball, such as those who have also played in the EuroLeague or FIBA Champions League. Statistical leaders are tracked in points, rebounds, and assists per game. Clubs like UNICS Kazan and Valencia Basket hold records for most appearances in the knockout stages. The tournament has seen numerous memorable individual performances, including record-setting games by players from France, Serbia, and the United States. Team records include largest margin of victory and highest-scoring games, often involving offensively potent squads from Italy and Greece.

The FIBA EuroCup is an integral part of the European basketball pyramid. It exists directly below the top-tier EuroLeague, which is operated by Euroleague Basketball. The champion of the FIBA EuroCup typically earns a qualifying spot for the following season's EuroLeague. Below the EuroCup is the third-tier FIBA Europe Cup, which was relaunched in 2015. These competitions, along with domestic leagues like the ABA League and the Greek Basket League, form the structure of professional club basketball in Europe. Success in the FIBA EuroCup is a significant achievement for clubs aiming to establish themselves among the continental elite.

Category:FIBA Europe competitions Category:International club basketball competitions Category:Recurring sporting events established in 2002