Alex MacQuoid
With EuroBasket 2025 behind us, Europe’s biggest basketball stage now takes the spotlight: the 2025/26 EuroLeague season tips off on 30 September, featuring a historic 20-team field and a demanding 38-game round-robin. For the first time ever, the competition expands beyond Europe, with Dubai Basketball making their debut.Fenerbahçe arrive as defending champions after outlasting Monaco in Berlin last May, but their repeat chances are far from guaranteed. Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Real Madrid, and Monaco headline a deep pack of challengers. And with Athens set to host the Final Four in May 2026, the stage is set for one of the most dramatic seasons in EuroLeague history.Let’s break down the title odds, contenders, dark horses, and the key schedule — plus a few betting tips for fans ready to follow along.
Fenerbahçe Begin Title Defence: Who Won Last Season?
The 2025 EuroLeague Final in Berlin saw Fenerbahçe capture their second crown, defeating Monaco 81–71 in a high-energy championship game. Nigel Hayes-Davis earned Final Four MVP honors before departing for the NBA, while head coach Dimitris Itoudis cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s finest tacticians.
It was a balanced roster that carried Fenerbahçe — a mix of Turkish veterans, international stars, and smart role players. Their defense down the stretch suffocated Monaco’s usually potent offense, and clutch shot-making delivered the title.
That win capped off another strong season for Turkish basketball, with Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahçe once again proving that Istanbul remains one of the continent’s basketball capitals. But as history has shown, repeating is incredibly difficult in EuroLeague.
Recent champions:
- 2025 – Fenerbahçe (Türkiye)
- 2024 – Panathinaikos (Greece)
- 2023 – Real Madrid (Spain)
- 2022 – Anadolu Efes (Türkiye)
The past four years have produced four different winners. Will 2026 continue that trend, or can Fenerbahçe go back-to-back?
Also read: UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Winner Odds: Who Lifts the Trophy in Leipzig?
EuroLeague 2025/26 Winner Odds (Melbet)
According to Melbet, here’s how the outright winner market looks heading into the new season:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Panathinaikos | 3.51 |
| Olympiacos SFP Pireus | 4.255 |
| Fenerbahçe | 7.04 |
| Real Madrid Baloncesto | 7.5 |
| Monaco | 10.3 |
| Barcelona | 15.5 |
| Anadolu Efes | 18.5 |
| Olimpia Milano | 20 |
| Hapoel Tel Aviv | 20 |
| Crvena Zvezda | 23 |
| KK Partizan | 25 |
| Dubai | 25 |
| Valencia | 46 |
| Bayern Munich | 80 |
| Žalgiris | 80 |
| Maccabi Tel Aviv | 90 |
| Saski Baskonia | 90 |
| Paris | 100 |
| Virtus Bologna | 100 |
| ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne | 100 |
The top of the board is tight: Panathinaikos and Olympiacos are neck and neck, with Turkish champions Fenerbahçe and Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid just behind. Monaco, last year’s runner-up, sits slightly further back at 10.3.
But basketball bettors know — EuroLeague odds aren’t just about the favorites. Upsets happen, depth matters, and one injury can swing an entire season.
The Big Favourites
Panathinaikos (3.51)
The Athens giants look like the team to beat. Winners in 2024, they returned to the Final Four in 2025 before bowing out against Fenerbahçe. With Athens hosting the 2026 Final Four, they’ll have the chance to lift the trophy in front of their home fans.
Their roster is loaded: Kendrick Nunn (reigning EuroLeague MVP), T.J. Shorts (one of Europe’s most dynamic playmakers), plus bigs like Mathias Lessort and Richaun Holmes. Add EuroBasket silver medalists Cedi Osman and Nikos Rogkavopoulos, and you’ve got arguably the deepest roster in Europe. Ergin Ataman, never shy of confidence, has already called this “the year Panathinaikos take back their throne.”
Olympiacos (4.255)
Their archrivals are right there with them. Olympiacos, finalists in 2023 and semifinalists again in 2025, have been Europe’s most consistent club over the last three years. Sasha Vezenkov may be gone, but their system under coach Georgios Bartzokas remains elite — ball movement, suffocating defense, and smart veterans who know how to win.
Isaiah Canaan and Kostas Papanikolaou provide leadership, while youngsters like Giannoulis Larentzakis are stepping up. With the Athens Final Four looming, the dream scenario for Greek basketball is an Olympiacos–Panathinaikos showdown for the title.
Fenerbahçe (7.04)
The defending champions. Losing Hayes-Davis hurts, but their offseason moves show ambition: Talen Horton-Tucker and Brandon Boston Jr. bring NBA athleticism and scoring. With veterans like Khem Birch and captain Melih Mahmutoğlu steadying the ship, plus Turkish prospect Tarik Biberović developing, this is a roster that can absolutely repeat.
The only question: can they stay healthy? Depth is thinner than Panathinaikos or Madrid, but Itoudis knows how to maximize what he has.
Real Madrid (7.5)
The kings of Europe. Nobody has more EuroLeague titles than Real Madrid (11), and they’ll be back in the mix again. Sergio Scariolo takes over as head coach, bringing unmatched international experience (World Cup, EuroBasket, Olympic medals).
Walter Tavares remains the best rim protector in Europe, Mario Hezonja and Gabriel Deck provide firepower, and Sergio Llull keeps the ball moving. Add Gabriele Procida — Italy’s rising star — and Madrid have balance, experience, and championship DNA.
Monaco (10.3)
Last season’s runners-up have tasted the big stage, and now they want more. Mike James, the EuroLeague’s all-time top scorer, is still capable of taking over games by himself. Nikola Mirotić, a former MVP, gives them an elite second option. With Alpha Diallo, Elie Okobo, and Donta Hall filling in the gaps, Monaco might have the most dangerous top-five lineup in the competition.
Dark Horses With Value
Barcelona (15.5)
The Catalans are no longer favorites, but they still boast serious talent. Willy Hernangómez anchors the paint, Nico Laprovittola directs traffic, and a crop of young talent gives them upside. The problem: they’ve fallen short too often in crunch time. At 15.5 odds, they’re still worth a look.
Anadolu Efes (18.5)
Just a few years removed from back-to-back EuroLeague titles (2021 and 2022), Efes have slipped a little — but underestimate them at your peril. Shane Larkin is still one of the best guards in Europe, and if he finds his rhythm alongside Rodrigue Beaubois and Ante Žižić, Efes can make a playoff run.
Olimpia Milano (20.0)
It’s been decades since Milano were last at the top, but Ettore Messina’s squad continues to hover around the playoff spots. Nikola Melli and Shavon Shields give them leadership, and their defense-first approach makes them a tough out.
Hapoel Tel Aviv (20.0)
Making their EuroLeague debut after winning the EuroCup, Hapoel are the wild card. Led by speedster J’Covan Brown and a passionate Israeli fanbase, they could surprise teams unprepared for their pace and intensity.
Partizan (25.0)
Belgrade basketball always matters. Partizan, led by Željko Obradović, have the coaching edge few can match. If Kevin Punter stays healthy and the role players hit shots, 25.0 feels generous.
Dubai (25.0)
The unknown factor. Dubai Basketball are the first non-European club to play in the EuroLeague, thanks to a five-year wild card. Their budget is massive, their ambition clear, but chemistry and experience are big question marks. Still, in a one-game playoff scenario, anything can happen.
EuroLeague 2025/26 Key Dates and Schedule
This season is historic not only because of the expanded 20-team field, but also because Athens will host the Final Four — where Panathinaikos and Olympiacos could have the ultimate home-court advantage.
- Regular Season: 30 September 2025 – 17 April 2026 (38 rounds, full round-robin)
- Play-In Tournament: 21–24 April 2026 (7th–10th battle for last two playoff spots)
- Quarterfinals (Best of 5): 28 April – 13 May 2026
- Final Four in Athens: 22–24 May 2026
The format is straightforward: top 6 advance directly to the playoffs, 7th–10th play the Play-In. The bottom 10 are eliminated. With 396 games guaranteed in the regular season, plus playoffs, this is the most demanding EuroLeague calendar ever.
Smart Betting Tips for EuroLeague Fans
Basketball betting has its quirks — especially in a league as competitive as the EuroLeague. Unlike the NBA, where long seasons create clear patterns, EuroLeague games are short, intense, and often decided by just a few possessions. That volatility can make outright futures tricky.
Some advice:
- Don’t overvalue favorites. Yes, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos look loaded, but knockout games can swing on one hot hand. At 7.5, Real Madrid arguably offer better value.
- Look for playoff experience. Teams like Efes and Madrid know how to win in May.
- Consider venue advantages. The 2026 Final Four in Athens means Greek teams have a huge intangible edge.
- Bet for fun, not income. Upsets are frequent, and even the best analysis can’t predict a buzzer-beater. Keep stakes low, enjoy the ride.
Final Thoughts from the Tips.GG Team
The 2025/26 EuroLeague season is shaping up as one of the most exciting yet. With Panathinaikos and Olympiacos leading the odds, Fenerbahçe chasing back-to-back glory, Real Madrid hunting their 12th title, and Monaco hungry for revenge, the field is stacked with storylines.
Throw in newcomers like Dubai and Hapoel Tel Aviv, plus the drama of Athens hosting the Final Four, and you’ve got a season guaranteed to deliver classic moments.
Whether you’re betting or just watching, buckle up. The EuroLeague is unpredictable, chaotic, and absolutely addictive.
👉 Stay with Tips.GG for updated odds, betting tips, and daily coverage throughout the EuroLeague season.