Euroleague.net's team of experts – Javier Gancedo, Geoff Gillingham, Frankie Sachs and Igor Petrinovic – have made their bold predictions for Round 1 of the 2024-25 season.

Bold predictions, Round 1: Road winners are the theme

Ladies and gentlemen, the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is upon us! Some 130 days after Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens was last seen lifting the EuroLeague trophy in Berlin, Germany, we are back for the start of a new campaign. 

All 18 teams – which includes one newcomer, Paris Basketball – have everything to play for at this point, and even though it is just Round 1, you can bet your bottom dollar that the Every Game Matters mantra is truer now more than ever.

Ahead of the opening set of games, the [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) experts have each selected one bold prediction that they believe will come true.

### Milan upsets Monaco on the road

### *By Javier Gancedo*

I really like the way Milan improved its roster this season, adding Josh Nebo to play way above the rim and Neno Dimtrijevic, whose development was one of the best kept secrets in European basketball. Milan has won the Italian Super Cup, Shavon Shields and Nikola Mirotic are healthy, and the team should take off right away, starting with a road win at Salle Gaston Medecin. Even if Mike James plays, it will be his first game of the season after not featuring domestically following surgery. Milan already won in Monaco last season with six players scoring in double digits. Nebo gives Milan a physical advantage in the paint against most teams, being a terrific offensive rebounder. The way I see it, Milan gets its first win right away.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">LO SAPEVI?<br>🇮🇹Quattro giocatori dell’Olimpia stasera faranno il loro debutto in EuroLeague<br>🇬🇧Four Olimpia players will make their EuroLeague debut tonight<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaOlimpia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaOlimpia</a> <a href="https://t.co/z0ilyjO7ty">pic.twitter.com/z0ilyjO7ty</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1841808014405173712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Partizan among a bunch of road winners

### *by Frankie Sachs*

Is there such thing as a bold prediction in Round 1? Do any of us know anything yet? I can make a case for both teams in almost any game this week. That said, one I believe in that might be going against the grain is that Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade opens the season with a road win. The Partizan lineup is stacked and head coach Zeljko Obradovic knows how to get the most out of talent. Whether they will hit the ground running against a strong Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz team is the only question, and I believe the answer is yes. I would bet that more than half of Round 1 games are won by the road teams, with Partizan standing proudly atop that list.  

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Morning practice.✊🏽<br><br>📍Vitoria, Spain | 🔜 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@euroleague</a> round 01 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://t.co/KASpxkWPd5">pic.twitter.com/KASpxkWPd5</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1841775185617420512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Fenerbahce to down Olympiacos in a thriller

### *by Geoff Gillingham*

The standout game in Round 1, at least from my perspective, is when Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul hosts Olympiacos Piraeus – two teams seem like locks to make the Final Four next May – on Friday night. Both teams have done an impressive job at improving their rosters this past summer, but I think new Fenerbahce signings Wade Baldwin, Bonzie Colson and Nicolo Melli will all have telling impacts en route to a opening-round triumph. That is not to say that I think it will be easy; I expect it to go down to the final minutes, then Fenerbahce pulls it out right at the end.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Büyük Fenerbahçe Taraftarı ile buluşma zamanı! 💛💙<br><br>Yarın 20.30’da evimiz Ülker Spor ve Etkinlik Salonu’nda buluşuyoruz!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/cmatbsC8z9">pic.twitter.com/cmatbsC8z9</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1841825995986276827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### With or without Larkin, Efes will beat Virtus

### *by Igor Petrinovic*

Will Clyburn, Anadolu Efes Istanbul's second-best scorer (13.3 ppg.) and top rebounder (4.6 rpg.) last season moved from the Turkish side to Virtus Segafredo Bologna over the summer, creating an ideal storyline entering this Round 1 bout. Back in mid-April, Virtus downed Efes on the road in their exciting first-round matchup in the Play-In Showdown. With Clyburn as its new star, Virtus now awaits Efes in the season opener on its home floor at Unipol Arena. So, a bit of addition and subtraction suggests that Virtus, with Clyburn, will have an upper hand on Efes, now without Clyburn, who played more than 28 minute per game a season ago. In addition, Efes might not have Shane Larkin, who missed all of Efes's preseason games, including the Turkish Super Cup on Sunday. But with or without Larkin, I say the Tomislav Mijatovic-led Efes will emerge victorious from Bologna.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">💪 Hasret bitiyor, heyecan başlıyor! <br><br>🆕 Yeni zaferler, yeni hikayeler için yine birlikteyiz!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/oOq8b2j52v">pic.twitter.com/oOq8b2j52v</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1841752866760872223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Euroleague.net's team of experts have each come up with one valiant forecast ahead of the opening round of the 2024-25 season

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-10-04T19:00:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-10-03T18:30:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-10-03T17:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-10-04T17:30:00.000Z)

The 2024-25 EuroLeague season gets underway on Thursday, October 3, and that marks the start of a new series by Euroleague Basketball called ‘Rivalry Series’, which focuses on one key fixture each round. To kick things off is FC Bayern Munich hosting Real Madrid this Thursday night at the brand-new SAP Garden, which opens its doors on the continental stage for the first time. 

The EuroLeague's Rivalry Series is ready for lift-off

The 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season gets underway on Thursday, October 3, and that marks the start of a new series by Euroleague Basketball called ‘Rivalry Series’, which focuses on one key fixture each round. To kick things off is FC Bayern Munich hosting Real Madrid this Thursday night at the brand-new SAP Garden, which opens its doors on the continental stage for the first time.

Rivalry Series games will build on historic and new rivalries around the league by focusing on creating momentum on a round-by-round basis, sparking the conversation among fans.  Rivalry Series will hit EuroLeague platforms using a 360º strategy, be that on social media, the website or the broadcast itself. On-site social media coverage, a pre- and post-game show for selected Rivalry Series games, special podcasts recorded at the newly built studio at Euroleague Basketball headquarters and much more to bring fans even closer to the action for the biggest games in the EuroLeague calendar.

Rivalry Series fixtures will include the Istanbul, Spanish, Greek, Serbian and Italian derbies, as well as the clash between Paris Basketball and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens – last year’s winners of the BKT EuroCup and EuroLeague, respectively – and a rematch of the 2024 championship game between the Greens and Real Madrid, among many more.

Fans will be brought even closer to the protagonists – the players

FC Bayern Munich v Real Madrid (2024-10-03T18:45:00.000Z)

Fans of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge are in for a treat heading into the 2024-25 season. Here's is a reminder of the basic rules, deadlines, scoring charts, and some important tips from our experts on details that can make your teams more successful, all in one place.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge: Rules, deadlines and tips

For all fans and managers competing in the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://fantasychallenge.page.link/game), here is a reminder of the basic rules, deadlines, scoring charts, and some important tips from our experts on details that can make your teams more successful, all in one place.

### Basic Rules

Fantasy managers get 100 credits per team to build their initial team: a squad of four guards, four forwards, two centers and one head coach. So, a total of 10 players and one coach.

### Deadlines

At the end of each **round,** you can sell and buy players to improve your fantasy team. All the changes on each fantasy team need to be submitted before the first game of the next round tips off.

Each round is divided into **turns**, which are equivalent to the block of games played on a single day. Between Turn 1 and Turn 2, you can change the formation, captain and make alterations between those on court and those on the bench. You can move players from the bench into your starting five, or from the bench to the role of sixth man, only if those players have not played yet.

### Scoring

The players in your fantasy team get a score based on the real statistics recorded in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. The starting five players, the sixth man and the coach get 100% of the points, while the players on the bench get 50%.

A selected captain among the players in your starting five will have his score multiplied by 1.5x.

### Trades

Between the end of each round and the beginning of the next one, the **trade market** opens. Fantasy managers can either trade four players and retain their head coach, or they can trade three players and change their coach. Ahead of a few specific rounds, trades will be unlimited.

The dates for unlimited trades are:

1. **After Round 4**: October 19-23
2. **After Round 10**: November 16-20
3. **After Round 17**: December 21-26
4. **After Round 22**: January 18-23
5. **After Round 26**: February 8-27
6. Fantasy managers can make **unlimited alterations** to their rosters **during the postseason**, too, because the number of trades per round are unlimited during the play-in, playoff and Final Four phases.

### Tips

These are some of the most important tips:

- Edit your team every round in order to have a team of 10 players that are distributed over the different turns. Before the beginning of the round, always line up the players who take to the court in Turn 1 (T1): you can then replace them after the turn finished if you are not satisfied.
- Make sure to check the players' injury status via the injury report on [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)
- Keep an eye on the calendar for possible/potential winning streaks, as well as favorable matchups for the players on your fantasy teams.
- Don't forget about your head coach.

**Prizes**

The list of available prizes for the 2024-25 season includes tickets to games, official EuroLeague jerseys and basketballs, subscriptions to EuroLeague TV and more, highlighted by the grand prize: a VIP package for the winner and a friend to attend the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, including flights, four hotel nights and VIP tickets.

A few things to keep in mind when putting together your fantasy teams throughout the season

Two of the most clutch players in the EuroLeague, Baskonia's Markus Howard and KK Partizan's Iffe Lundberg, will go head-to-head in Round 1 of the 2024-25 season.

Markus Howard, Iffe Lundberg ready to battle in Round 1 shootout

The opening round of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is jam-packed with must-watch games featuring a plethora of top players, but one of the most exciting matchups takes place in Vitoria-Gasteiz as Baskonia welcomes Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.

Among the many stars in that clash are two of last season's most clutch players, Baskonia's [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) and Partizan's [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/iffe-lundberg/010781/).

Howard was last season's EuroLeague Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy winner, an award he will receive ahead of tipoff on Thursday night, having set the all-time single-season records for points scored (759) and three-pointers made (148). Lundberg averaged 9.4 points last season but, just like Howard, he often had the ball in his hands when it mattered most.

Whether it was a shot to win the game, send it to overtime, or just scoring a tough bucket in a key situation, the two guards repeatedly stepped up in clutch situations in 2023-24. On Thursday, they will have a chance to come to the fore once again.

More Baskonia vs. Partizan News

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Howard vs. Lundberg

The two guards made several clutch, game-deciding baskets last season

FC Bayern Basketball hosts Real Madrid in the first-ever EuroLeague game at SAP Garden, the German club's new home.

Bayern vs. Real Madrid: SAP Garden to open with a bang

A top-class arena has the chance to propel a club into a new dimension, and that is very much what FC Bayern Munich is hoping for. Now entering its 10th Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign, the German giant will present its brand-new SAP Garden on the continental stage against the most successful team in EuroLeague history, Real Madrid, in the first Rivalry Series game of the season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The first Rivalry Series game of the 2024-25 season 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBBasketball</a> hosts <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> in the opening game of SAP Garden in Munich 🇩🇪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZcumqC6K5p">pic.twitter.com/ZcumqC6K5p</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1841448046720078056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Every new campaign brings new hope and optimism, making this Round 1 clash particularly interesting. Bayern is coming off a summer in which it changed head coach following Pablo Laso’s surprise departure, with [Gordie Herbert](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fc-bayern-basketball-tabs-world-champion-gordie-herbert-as-head-coach/) – the architect of Germany’s run to a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and a fourth-placed finish at the 2024 Olympic Games – being the new man in charge. He has several familiar faces from his time with the national team on Bayern’s roster, including new additions [Oscar da Silva](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/oscar-da-silva/011244/) and [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/), making the adjustment process that much smoother.

For Real, it is coming off three successive trips to the EuroLeague Championship Game and will be hoping for the same again in 2024-25. However, it lost a lot of experience and key players in its rotation this past summer, with [Rudy Fernandez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/rudy-fernandez-calls-time-on-a-glittering-career/) and [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/three-time-euroleague-champ-sergio-rodriguez-retires/) retiring, while [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/), [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/fabien-causeur/001392/) and [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) have all sought pastures new. That means that the core players who have remained, like [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/), [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/), [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) and [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/), will see their roles increase even further. A couple of players have returned to the club this summer, too, in [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/) and [Usman Garuba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/usman-garuba/007630/).

In fact, Ibaka gets an early opportunity to face his former team after returning to Europe last year with Bayern. Aged 35, the veteran big man still posted impressive numbers in Munich, averaging 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 blocks across 28 EuroLeague games, and his one-two punch with Tavares should be deadly all season long. 

Ahead of his big move to Real Madrid, look back some of the highlights in his one-season stay with FC Bayern Munich.

Serge Ibaka | Best 2023-24

If Bayern may be in for a long night in the paint, one area where it may be able to have some joy against Real is at the guard positions. In a new offensive scheme under Coach Herbert, scorers [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/), [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/) and [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) should be given free rein, with [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/) and [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/yam-madar/011052/) making their presence felt on defense against Campazzo, in particular.

SAP Garden is able to hold 12,500 fans, way up from the 6,500 capacity of BMW Park, and Bayern will be banking on its fans being the sixth man on Thursday night. Real comes into this game on a four-game winning streak against Bayern, having last lost to the German giant in Madrid in April 2022, and it has been victorious on its last four trips to Munich. The last time Bayern defeated Real at home was in late October 2019, while the only other time it beat *Los Blancos* came in its first-ever EuroLeague campaign in 2013-14.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🌟 𝑮𝑹𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑵𝑰𝑵𝑮 🌟<br><br>🔥 Munich, it´s time!<br>🏟️ Oct 3 | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> Opener | <a href="https://twitter.com/SAPGarden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SAPGarden</a> <br>🏀 Bayern vs. Real Madrid<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAPGarden?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAPGarden</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fcbayern</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OLYMPIAPARK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OLYMPIAPARK</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Nu6eXfqCS">pic.twitter.com/6Nu6eXfqCS</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1840723046501433599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There should be quite the show – on and off the court – for the 16th meeting between Bayern and Real in the EuroLeague. In addition to following this Rivalry Series clash via EuroLeague TV, check out the EuroLeague’s social media channels as we bring you even closer to the action. For post-game analysis from the experts, [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net) is the place to go. 

Bayern is aiming to start off its new era at SAP Garden with a bang, but will Real play the role of party pooper? We will find out on Thursday night!

Game Videos

Game News

In the first round of the new season, optimism is very much in the air

Each EuroLeague season sees new stars emerge, but who will shine bright this year?

Five newcomers to watch in the 2024-25 EuroLeague campaign

The 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is finally on our doorstep. Aside from the league’s already established players, there are several newcomers with the capacity to make a splash in their first year in Europe’s premier club basketball competition.

In this article, we have picked five notable EuroLeague rookies that fans should definitely pay attention to and follow during the 2024-25 season.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1721841/five-newcomers-to-watch-in-the-2024-25-euroleague-campaign/).

TJ Shorts in action for Paris Basketball during the club's BKT EuroCup-winning season in 2023-24.

Each season sees new stars emerge, but who will shine bright this year?

EFC Podcast Episode 1: Is Mike James worth picking?

Check out the full first episode from season two of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, featuring [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)'s Frankie Sachs and Sport 24's Vasiliki Karamouza, below.

AS Monaco guard Mike James is a game-time decision heading into Round 1 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, so what advice did fantasy experts Frankie Sachs and Vasiliki Karamouza give to managers in the first episode of season two of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge podcast?

Welcome to the preseason edition of the EuroLeague Power Rankings. The following list is the brainchild of EuroLeague.net's team of experts, which is made up of Geoff Gillingham, Javier Gancedo, Frankie Sachs and Igor Petrinovic.

Power Rankings: The state of play entering Round 1

Welcome to the preseason edition of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Power Rankings. The following list is the brainchild of [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net)'s team of experts, which is made up of Geoff Gillingham, Javier Gancedo, Frankie Sachs and Igor Petrinovic.

Next to each team are two numbers, the first representing the highest rank on any individual ballot and the second representing the lowest.  

### 1. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (1-1)

Year 1 of the Ergin Ataman era at OAKA couldn’t have gone better, but year 2 could be just as fruitful. Panathinaikos looks even stronger than it did last season after bringing in All-EuroLeague guard [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), as well as [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/) and [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) from the NBA, while last year’s key contributors have all returned. Coach Ataman’s prophecy of going back-to-back (again) could become a reality in 2024-25.

### 2. Olympiacos Piraeus (2-2)

Take a Final Four team. Bring back 10 of its top 11 performers. Add the 2022-23 MVP ([Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/)), a reigning champion ([Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/)), a pair of top-tier scoring threats ([Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyler-dorsey/009849/) and [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-adds-star-guard-evan-fournier-to-backcourt/)) and an All-EuroLeague candidate who will join the team later in the season ([Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/)). The result? A championship contender.

### 3. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (3-4)

When Saras Jasikevicius took charge of Fenerbahce midway through last season, he had to make do with a roster that was built for his predecessor, Dimitris Itoudis. The Lithuanian play-caller has made sure to put his fingerprints on Fenerbahce’s squad this past summer, bringing in elite-level players in [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/), [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) and [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/) to join an already talented group. Fenerbahce should be a lot of fun this year.

### 4. Real Madrid (3-5)

Simply put, Real Madrid can never be counted out. Three straight appearances in the championship game say everything you need to know about the competitiveness of this club. With [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) dishing the rock, [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) and [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) wreaking havoc on the offensive end, and [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) patrolling the paint alongside new addition [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/), *Los Blancos* remain a strong contender to make the Final Four. 

### 5. FC Barcelona (5-7)

As Forrest Gump put it, “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.” That same sentiment could easily apply to the 2024-25 version of Barcelona, which is entering a new era after a summer of change. Now led by head coach Joan Penarroya and with five new signings, including [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-adds-scoring-threat-in-kevin-punter/), [Chimezie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/chimezie-metu-joins-fc-barcelona/) and [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-makes-juan-nunez-its-playmaker-of-the-future/), the *Azulgrana* should be must-watch TV. But will it result in a dominant record?

### 6. AS Monaco (4-8)

Any team with [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) needs to be treated seriously. The 2023-24 EuroLeague MVP enters the new season as the best player in the league, but Monaco’s roster construction certainly raises a few questions. There is an overload of backcourt players, including new arrivals [Furkan Korkmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/furkan-korkmaz/005763/) and [Juhann Begarin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/monaco-basket-tabs-top-french-talent-juhann-begarin/), and a center rotation that causes some doubts. Yet, Monaco still has plenty of talent in its squad, making it a threat.

### 7. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (5-8)

For years, [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) has led one of the best backcourts in the league. Now Efes has a new-look frontcourt led by 2023 champion [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) and EuroLeague newcomers [Stanley Johnson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/stanley-johnson/013364/) and [Jordan Nwora](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-nwora/013363/). Head coach Tomislav Mijatovic seems to have the right mix of depth, experience and talent to make a run at the Final Four.

### 8. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (5-9)

Many of us have been burned by Milan over the last few years. Each summer it looks as if Ettore Messina’s men are primed to fight for a Final Four spot, having last made it in 2021, but it hasn’t even made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. Still, any roster that can boast [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/), [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) and [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) needs to be taken seriously. Very seriously.

### 9. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (8-13)

The winningest coach in EuroLeague history, Zeljko Obradovic, leads a team that is almost entirely rebuilt with young and talented players. Having a handful of EuroLeague newcomers ([Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/), [Duane Washington](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/duane-washington/013370/), [Isiaha Mike](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isiaha-mike/011836/), [Arijan Lakic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/arijan-lakic/007736/)) and a few others with only limited EuroLeague experience ([Frank Ntilikina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/frank-ntilikina/006591/), [Aleksej Pokusevski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/aleksej-pokusevski/008232/)) presents a challenge, but the upside is there.

### 10. Virtus Segafredo Bologna (10-12)

Last season Virtus started the season on fire but faded late, eventually reaching the Play-In Showdown before its season came to an end. Coach Luca Banchi returns many of last season's stars, including [Toko Shengalia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/), [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/), [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/), [Daniel Hackett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/) and [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ante-zizic/004554/). The additions of [Rayjon Tucker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rayjon-tucker/012591/) and [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-morgan/012585/) to the backcourt and [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-unveils-roster-with-will-clyburn-among-new-six-faces/) at forward should have Virtus knocking on the playoff door again.

### 11. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (9-15)

Coach Pablo Laso returns to his boyhood club, eager to get Baskonia back into the playoffs for the second straight year. The trio of [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/), [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) and [Tadas Sedekerskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) form the core of returning stars, while [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/), [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/), [Trent Forrest](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/landon-trent-forrest/013367/) and [Kamar Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kamar-baldwin/012597/) should all fit nicely into Laso's plans. If it all comes together, Baskonia should be fun to watch as it fights to finish the regular season among the top 10.   

### 12. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (9-16)

Zvezda has one of its deepest squads ever and head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos can use that to his advantage with his physical defensive preferences. The key offseason additions include [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/), [Mike Daum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-daum/012786/) and [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/), while [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-kalinic/004866/) and [Ognjen Dobric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ognjen-dobric/004007/) return home. Will [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/), [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/) and [Rokas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-giedraitis/006436/) pack enough scoring touch to push Zvezda into the playoffs? That is the question.

### 13. Zalgiris Kaunas (10-16)

Coach Andrea Trinchieri has a history of maximizing the talent on his teams and there is a lot to like on the Zalgiris roster. There is plenty of scoring punch ([Ty Wallace](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyrone-wallace/011925/), [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/deividas-sirvydis/007029/), [Ignas Brazdeikis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ignas-brazdeikis/011983/), [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/)) and tough defenders ([Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/), [Arnas Butkevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/arnas-butkevicius/002676/), [Edgaras Ulanovas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/edgaras-ulanovas/002329/)), which is a template Zalgiris can use to challenge for a top-10 finish.

### 14. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (11-15)

After losing its top four performers to other EuroLeague teams over the summer, head coach Oded Kattash has his work cut out for him to get things running well with newcomers [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/), [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/), [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-lands-explosive-big-man-jaylen-hoard/) and [Levi Randolph](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-plucks-levi-randolph-from-rival-jerusalem/), while big man [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-unveils-signing-of-wenyen-gabriel/) misses the start of the season to injury. Even with reliable returnees [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/), [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) and [Roman Sorkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/roman-sorkin/011219/), Maccabi will be tested early this season.

### 15. FC Bayern Munich (13-15)

Just a year ago, head coach Gordie Herbert led Germany to the gold medal at the World Cup. He will now look to sprinkle some magic on a Bayern roster that features a veteran mix of players with something to prove. A lineup of a healthy [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/), [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/), [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/001288/), [Oscar da Silva](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/oscar-da-silva/011244/) and [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/johannes-voigtmann-returns-to-germany-joins-fc-bayern-basketball/) could inflict a lot of damage on opponents. 

### 16. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (13-17)

[Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/), [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/), [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/) and [Mbaye Ndiaye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mbaye-ndiaye/012731/) have some new faces around them this season as they look to carry ASVEL to the top half of the standings. While [Melvin Ajinca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/melvin-ajinca/010316/), [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/), [Admiral Schofield](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/admiral-schofield/013372/) and [Shaq Harrison](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquille-harrison/013371/) lack EuroLeague experience, they and [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) will be counted on to be difference-makers. Can head coach Pierric Poupet make history with this squad?

### 17. Paris Basketball (16-18)

Paris will have an uphill battle as it looks to leave a mark on the EuroLeague. The roster features little EuroLeague experience, and head coach Tiago Splitter is leading a team in Europe’s premier competition for the first time, too. Nonetheless, EuroCup MVP [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and rising star [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) lead a promising backcourt that will thrill fans in the French capital.

### 18. ALBA Berlin (17-18)

Guard [Will McDowell-White](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/will-mcdowell-white-joins-alba-berlin/) and big man [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/alba-grabs-all-eurocup-center-trevion-williams/) were the only additions who joined ALBA over the summer, with management giving head coach Israel Gonzalez the chance to take a further mold a young roster. Italian duo [Gabriele Procida](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriele-procida/008384/) and [Matteo Spagnolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matteo-spagnolo/008173/) are expected to take a step forward, and veteran guard [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) is healthy. The continuity should make ALBA stronger from the start. That should be enough to improve on last season's five-win season, but how much better can ALBA be?

The Euroleague.net experts have provided their first power rankings of the 2024-25 season

The EuroLeague is celebrating its 25th anniversary, with fans encouraged to join in the conversation with the #EuroLeague25 and #ONLY25 hashtags.

2024-25 season to mark the EuroLeague’s 25th anniversary

It was the year 2000 when the EuroLeague came to fruition. Later that year, on October 15, the first-ever game of the modern EuroLeague was played, with Real Madrid hosting Olympiacos Piraeus. After 24 seasons filled with endless iconic moments, the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign marks a historic milestone as the league enters its 25th anniversary. 

This season will be a celebration of the EuroLeague's rich history, legendary moments, and exciting future, all while showcasing the best talent on the court. A season-long series of events will pay tribute to the legacy of the league and its clubs, honoring the players, coaches, and all those who have helped build the league into a global basketball powerhouse.

Throughout this landmark season, Euroleague Basketball will recognize the contributions of its entire family – from past and present players to coaches and fans. These celebrations will honor the pivotal moments that have shaped the league, while also looking ahead to the next 25 years of growth and success.

 “Since its inception, the EuroLeague has witnessed historic moments with the brightest stars of pan-European basketball. Now, it's time to recognize these achievements while looking ahead to the future. Our goal is to make this season truly memorable, staying true to our mission of bringing the most competitive basketball to millions of fans around the world,” stated Dejan Bodiroga, President of Euroleague Basketball.

To commemorate this special occasion, a unique 25th Anniversary logo has been unveiled. The design maintains the iconic orange-colored ball with the 'e' of the EuroLeague logo proudly emblazoned on it, representing the essence of the EuroLeague brand while integrating shapes that form the number "25". This modern design reflects the EuroLeague's storied history and its bright future, with the disjointed shapes symbolizing the ongoing evolution of the league. The logo also hints at an infinity symbol (∞), representing the endless excitement it continues to deliver to millions of fans worldwide.

The anniversary celebrations officially tipped off with the release of a short film titled "Where’s the Party?" — a comedic tribute featuring 29 active and former players and coaches. This is the first time such a large group of EuroLeague legends have come together to reflect on some of the most iconic moments in the league's history. Set at a fictional anniversary party, the film humorously portrays the EuroLeague’s top figures trying to attend the celebration, highlighting both legends of the game and current players who are poised to shape the future of the league.

Fans will also play a pivotal role in the celebrations by participating in the selection of the 25th Anniversary All-Time Team. Through exclusive content—videos, graphics, and more—fans can relive some of the EuroLeague’s most iconic moments under the hashtags #EuroLeague25 and #ONLY25.

The celebration will extend to the games as well, with select teams donning throwback jerseys that commemorate some of their most significant moments. These special jerseys will be worn during specific rounds of the season, offering fans a nostalgic glimpse into the league’s storied past.

The 25th Anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the season with a series of events, initiatives, and programs aimed at celebrating players, fans, and their communities. The momentum will build until the grand finale at the Final Four, where Euroleague Basketball will continue to honor its past and embrace its future.

A Season-Long Tribute to the Past, Present, and Future