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)

Here you can find all the latest injury news surrounding all registered players in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague injury report

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, as reported by the clubs, and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

**ALBA Berlin**

Gabriele Procida is questionable with foot problems.

Malte Delow is out after a concussion.

Matt Thomas is out with a knee injury.

Ziga Samar is out with a foot injury.

**Anadolu Efes Istanbul**

Efes has listed all players available for its Round 1 game at Virtus on Friday.

**AS Monaco**

The reigning EuroLeague MVP Mike James is a game-time decision for the opener against Milan.

[Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nick-calathes-out-3-4-weeks-with-knee-injury/) will miss 3-4 weeks due to a knee injury.

There are no other reported injuries from Monaco.

**Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz**

Kamar Baldwin and Donta Hall did not play in the Spanish League over the weekend. Their Round 1 status is uncertain.

There are no reported injuries from Baskonia for its Round 1 game vs. Partizan.

**Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**

Crvena Zvezda has not yet provided injury information for its Round 1 game at Paris on Friday.

[Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/round-34-disciplinary-sanctions/) will miss Round 1 and Round 2 games due to suspension.

**EA7 Emporio Armani Milan**

There are no reported injuries for Milan's Round 1 game at Monaco.

**FC Barcelona**

Dario Brizuela and Willy Hernangomez did not play in the Spanish League over the weekend.

There are no reported injuries from Barcelona for its Round 1 game at Zalgiris.

**FC Bayern Munich**

There are no reported injuries from Bayern for its Round 1 game vs. Real Madrid.

**Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**

Tarik Biberovic is out with an injury for Round 1 against Olympiacos.

**LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**

ASVEL has not yet provided injury information for its Round 1 game against Maccabi.

**Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**

Wenyen Gabriel will miss Round 1 due to injury.

There are no other reported injuries from Maccabi.

**Olympiacos Piraeus**

Moustapha Fall (injured), Nikola Milutinov (injured), Keenan Evans (injured) and Naz Mitrou Long did not travel with the team for Round 1 game at Fenerbahce.

Shaquielle McKissic travelled and is available for Round 1.

**Panathinaikos Athens**

Kostas Antetokounmpo is out for the season opener against ALBA with a right thumb fracture.

**Paris Basketball**

Paris has not yet provided injury information for its Round 1 game vs. Crvena Zvezda on Friday.

**Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**

Duane Washington has travelled to the United States with a permission of the team and is not available for the season opener at Baskonia.

Isaiah Mike is will miss Round 1 game due to a calf injury.

Mitar Bosnjakovic and Aleksa Dimitrijevic did not travel with the team.

**Real Madrid**

Mario Hezonja and Serge Ibaka did not play in the Spanish League over the weekend. Their Round 1 status is uncertain.

**Virtus Segafredo Bologna**

Tornike Shengelia did not play in the Italian League game over the weekend. His status is uncertain for Round 1 vs. Efes on Friday.

Virtus has not yet provided injury information for its Round 1 game.

**Zalgiris Kaunas**

[Brady Manek](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-brady-manek-out-for-three-weeks/) will not play in Round 1 due to an ankle sprain.

Injury report, Round 1: Will Mike James play?

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

Paris Basketball v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-10-04T19:00:00.000Z)

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

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

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-10-03T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v FC Barcelona (2024-10-03T17:00:00.000Z)

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

ALBA Berlin v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-10-03T16:45:00.000Z)

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of the opening round of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season

Pre-game quotes hub: EuroLeague Round 1

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague finally returns on Thursday with six games, then three more on Friday. Ahead of Round 1, we bring you the pre-game quotes from all the teams in one place. This page will be updated throughout Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with thoughts from the players and head coaches of all 18 teams.

## Thursday, October 3

### ALBA Berlin vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (18:45 CEST)

**Israel Gonzalez, ALBA Berlin head coach:**

"Panathinaikos has an incredibly strong roster. They’re the defending EuroLeague champions and have only strengthened their rotation this season. It will be a tough game, but we're playing at home and want to show a team performance to bring all our energy onto the court. Intensity will play an important role, especially in the zone, in order to control Panathinaikos's strengths under the basket."

**Elias Rapieque, ALBA Berlin forward:**

"Playing against the defending champions right at the start of the EuroLeague is of course a huge task. But we have nothing to lose and are also playing at home at Uber Arena. That's definitely something special and will give us a bit of extra motivation. We have to keep the intensity high and have fun on the court as a team."

**Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach**

"We ended last season with a title in Berlin, and now we start the new season on the road in Berlin. We are ready for the season. All teams are strong, all teams want to win every game, especially when you play on the road it is very dangerous. Maybe some think ALBA is not a candidate for the place in the playoffs, but rosters on the paper is different than the game. In the opening round of the EuroLeague, in the entire first half of the season, everyone fights for as many victories and have a goal to reach the playoffs. It is very important to be calm, in the road game to play aggressive basketball with game discipline. Every game, especially in the beginning of the EuroLeague, is dangerous. Lorenzo Brown practiced with the team, I hope he will practice again \[Wednesday evening\] and I think he will be on the court \[against ALBA\]."

**Marius Grigonis, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens guard**

"It is always fun for me. I played there so it is really fun to visit the city, to see the familiar faces, and obviously last season was a happy ending for us there. In the EuroLeague you can never underestimate a team. Whether it is ALBA or Real Madrid, you have to play the same way. We are not 100% percent, but we are getting there. We are the champions team, we have a lot of character, so one loss \[in the Greek Super Cup against Olympiacos\] will not affect us."

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. FC Barcelona (19:00 CEST)

**Andrea Trinchieri, Zalgiris Kaunas head coach**

"This is one of the strongest EuroLeague campaigns ever. And besides the fact it will be fun to watch, we have to swim these seas. A lot of shakes, a lot of big teams, a lot of talented players. I am thrilled, but the challenge, the task, it will be tough. I am 100 percent sure, and we have to keep focus one game at the time trying to push ourselves over the limits. And have in mind that the only thing we can do in this EuroLeague is to play the best basketball that we can and to be the best version of ourselves, players and coaches, and if we do these two things the score will take care of itself. We should not focus primarily on the scoreboard, because it may happen and it will happen that we do whatever we can but the other team will be better. Because the level of talent, strength and power of many teams is very, very high."

"\[Against Barcelona\], we have to understand early in the game what kind of game it will be, because nobody knows. It is the first game."

### AS Monaco vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (19:00 CEST)

**Ettore Messina, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan head coach**

"We are about to start a very high-level competition, very tough one. Each one of us will have to play for 34 games with concentration, attention to detail and with the best interests of the team at the top of his mind. During the preseason and up to the first Italian League game we demonstrated a good potential. However, we have to show it every game and for 40 minutes especially on the road, especially against top level teams such as Monaco, our first opponent."

**Nenad Dimitrijevic, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan head coach**

"It will be a tough game against a very competitive team, one of the best over the last three seasons. They made the Final Four a couple of years ago. They are a very physical team, with talented players. We need to approach this challenge the right way and try to get out of Monaco with a win. I was waiting the opportunity to play in the EuroLeague for some time, and to do that with a club like Olimpia Milan is a privilege."

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:30 CEST)

**Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade head coach**

"It's the first game in the EuroLeague, and we are entering with high ambitions. We had some preseason games with EuroLeague teams. What I would like to see in this game is that we continue to play the same way we have done so far, with the same desire and energy that we've had in all the games we've played up to now. I think that's the most important thing. Talking about the court there, it’s always a tough place to play. Baskonia, despite changing the team and coach, maintains the same style of play. What’s specific about Pablo Laso’s teams is a lot of transition, a lot of individual solutions, isolations, one-on-one play, offensive rebounding and, of course, a player who is very important — Markus Howard, who is capable of taking over 15 three-point shots. So, we've already gone through all of that, we are ready, and we'll see how everything goes tomorrow."

**Brandon Davies, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade center**

"We are very excited to get the EuroLeague underway and started. Baskonia is a great team, very gifted and talented offensively. So, we need to make sure that we are also strong on offense ourselves. I've played against them many times in the ACB and EuroLeague, so I think we will be prepared."

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid (20:45 CEST)

**Gordie Herbert, FC Bayern Munich head coach**

"It’s one of the best teams in Europe, a giant in European basketball. We have to find ways to deal with their strengths, which is a challenge for the players and the coaches. But we need to impose our will on them, be physical."

**Niels Giffey, FC Bayern Munich forward**

"Real is always under pressure, but it certainly wouldn’t be easier to beat them if they played here on May 3rd. We have to approach this season as underdogs; we won’t often be the favorites. But I’m not thinking about who comes when. You have to play against these teams, anyway. We want to prove ourselves at this level. I really like the arena. I think the atmosphere will be amazing."

**Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach**

"Tomorrow we play a big game for both teams because it marks the start of a competition in which we are usually at the top, competing to win the title. Hopefully, this year we can say at the end that, once again, we have competed to win the trophy. Now we are starting to get to know each other as a team and we have to be patient, do things well and put our best foot forward. This is the key to being in a position to fight for titles throughout the year."

**Sergio Llull, Real Madrid guard**

"We face this new edition of the Euroleague, as always, with great desire, with great enthusiasm and being aware that we are in for a very tough competition since all the teams have reinforced themselves incredibly well. Our objective is none other than to try to fight for the title, which is what we have done in recent seasons.. Tomorrow we have a big game in Munich. Bayern inaugurates its new arena and we expect a tough match against a rival that always makes things very difficult for us and with a crowd that is very supportive at all times, although we will try to play good basketball and win."

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (21:00 CEST)

\--

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

## Friday, October 4

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (19:30 CEST)

**Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul head coach**

"Very happy to be starting the EuroLeague season. Missed the Ulker Arena, missed the fans. Obviously the opponent is top. It’s a great test but like we said, we are starting the grind and we have to be ready. Hoping the fans will appreciate Tyler Dorsey, the thing he did for Fenerbahce and show him respect. Like always against Olympiacos, we expect a very difficult game."

**Nicolo Melli, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul foward**

"It is always a special game, the first one. We play at home, we play against a great team like Olympiacos. So I know for sure that it’s gonna be a wonderful atmosphere and it’s gonna be a tough game. But we are at home, we have to defend our home court and we will try to get the win. I hope to see the arena full. I cannot wait to play again in this arena. It's nice to be back."

**Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus head coach**

"As all teams in this period of time, we all trying to figure out what are our potentials through practices. There are many question marks since it is the first EuroLeague game of the season, still we will give our best to get the win. Fenerbache has a great roster and for sure it is going to be a tough game. We have a game plan and if we stick to it, we will have a good chance to win."

**Even Fournier, Olympiacos Piraeus guard**

"It’s a good way to start the season with a tough match up on the road. I am excited and I am looking forward to the game. We will have a good practice tonight and see what happens… When you play on the road, the most important thing is to be focused, to respect the game plan and play together. As far as it concerns me, I don’t think that it will be hard for me to adjust to the European style. Basketball is basketball!"

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (21:00 CEST)

**Tomislav Mijatovic, Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach**

"Obviously a very important game for us in the opening week of the new EuroLeague season at a very tough road game against one of the most experienced teams this year in the EuroLeague. We know that it's gonna take our maximum effort to control the tempo of the offense, the tempo of the defense and the tempo of the game in order to put ourselves in a position to win the game - what we are going to Bologna for - and start the EuroLeague season with a great victory on the road. Of course, like I said, it's going to take 40 minutes of effort against a very well coached and a very experienced team. But our guys are ready and working very hard, and we're preparing to the maximum for that effort on Friday."

**Shane Larkin, Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach**

"Virtus Segafredo Bologna is a very talented and an experienced team. They understand it is important to win home games in EuroLeague and will try to open the season with a victory. We have to be focused and the more aggressive team on both sides of the court. If we do that, I think we have a great chance to win."

### Paris Basketball vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (21:00 CEST)

\--

Pre-game quotes hub: 'We are entering with high ambitions'

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.

<center>
<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.

<center>
<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?

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is back for Season 2 with production upgrades and a new co-host! Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 in Greece will join Frankie Sachs and Javier Gancedo of Euroleague.net as a regular host to share her insights on everyone’s favorite EuroLeague companion contest.

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is back for Season 2!

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is back for Season 2 with production upgrades and a new co-host! [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) of Sport 24 in Greece will join [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) and [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) as a regular host to share her insights on everyone’s favorite Turkish Airlines EuroLeague companion contest.

Vasiliki and Frankie share the mic in Episode 1 to detail the new rule changes this season, reveal how to join the podcast’s private fantasy league and, of course, give some tips on how to build your rosters. What obstacle is Frankie facing in Round 1? Who are Vasiliki’s must-have players? Get the answers to these questions and more by listening to the podcast now.

Several notable improvements have been made to the show

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.

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

Bryant Dunston sits down with Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo to discuss joining Zalgiris Kaunas, his expectations for the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, and a player whose presence he will miss.

Bryant Dunston: ‘It’s going to be tough playing this year without him’

You could say that [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/) has been there and done it all. Aged 38 and with two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championships to his name, the veteran center was picked up by Zalgiris Kaunas in the offseason after showing at Virtus Segafredo Bologna that he still has something left in the tank.

During a sit-down interview with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Javier Gancedo prior to the 2024-25 EuroLeague season getting underway, Dunston explains why he signed for Zalgiris, why he is so impressed by two of the club’s new additions, and what it will be like now he doesn’t have to face [Kyle Hines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kyle-hines/002812/), the four-time EuroLeague champion who retired in the summer.

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Dunston was a key member of the Anadolu Efes Istanbul squad that won back-to-back EuroLeague trophies in 2021 and 2022, while he also secured back-to-back EuroLeague Best Defender awards in 2014 and 2015, when he was playing for Olympiacos Piraeus. That experience and know-how is going to see him become a crucial member of head coach Andrea Trinchieri’s roster, much like [Othello Hunter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/othello-hunter/005160/) was during the Italian play-caller’s time at FC Bayern Munich.

There is still room for Dunston to write his name further into the EuroLeague’s history books, as he discusses during the interview, and he is confident that Zalgiris has what it takes to aim for the postseason, so long as he and his teammates focus on a few key facets.

More Zalgiris News

You could say that Bryant Dunston has been there and done it all. Aged 38 and with two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championships to his name, the veteran center was picked up by Zalgiris Kaunas in the offseason after showing at Virtus Segafredo Bologna that he still has something left in the tank. During a sit-down interview with Euroleague.net’s Javier Gancedo prior to the 2024-25 EuroLeague season getting underway, Dunston explains why he signed for Zalgiris, why he is so impressed by two of the club’s new additions, and what it will be like now he doesn’t have to face Kyle Hines, the four-time EuroLeague champion who retired in the summer.

The new Zalgiris center sat down with Javier Gancedo ahead of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season

The EuroLeague is back for its 25th season, ladies and gentlemen! Round 1 is full of incredible matchups, and here we will talk you through them.

At a glance: The world's most passionate basketball league is back!

We’re back! The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returns on Thursday and Friday with nine tantalizing matchups, including a EuroLeague debut for a rising force and a big showdown between last season's beaten semifinalists. Here’s your guide to Round 1.

## Thursday, October 3

### ALBA Berlin vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (18:45 CEST)

Reigning champ Panathinaikos makes an immediate return to the scene of May’s Final Four triumph with a trip to face ALBA Berlin. The Greek giant has strengthened an already formidable roster with the introduction of explosive guard [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-bc-inks-all-euroleague-playmaker-lorenzo-brown/) and two players who have returned to Europe after long spells in the United States: all-action forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/cedi-osman-joins-panathinaikos-bc/) and big man [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-bc-lands-omer-yurtseven/). ALBA has retained the vast majority of last season’s squad which finished rock bottom with a disappointing 5-29 record, and coach Israel Gonzalez will hope to become more competitive through two new signings: [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-grabs-all-eurocup-center-trevion-williams/), last season’s rebounding leader in the EuroCup, and Australian guard [Will McDowell-White](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ru/euroleague/news/will-mcdowell-white-joins-alba-berlin/). Taking on the title holders could not be a tougher start for the German team.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Procida vs. Grant

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. FC Barcelona (19:00 CEST)

New Barcelona coach [Joan Penarroya](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/barcelona-names-joan-penarroya-as-head-coach/) faces his first test with a trip to Andrea Trinchieri’s Zalgiris. The hosts will look for instant impact from a long line of summer arrivals, including veteran big man [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bryant-dunston-heads-to-zalgiris-kaunas/), scoring threat [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-signs-deal-with-scorer-sylvain-francisco/), hard-working [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-lands-explosive-big-man-alen-smailagic/) and talented guard [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-tabs-eurocups-top-scorer-deividas-sirvydis/), who excelled in last season’s EuroCup. In addition to their new man on the sidelines, Barca will give debuts to scoring star [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-adds-scoring-threat-in-kevin-punter/) and rebounding specialist [Youssoupha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barca-rebuilds-frontline-with-youssoupha-fall/). Another summer arrival, young guard [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-makes-juan-nunez-its-playmaker-of-the-future/), will look to underline his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting rising talents alongside the scoring talent of [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/), but Barca will also have to confront the always-electric atmosphere of Zalgirio Arena.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Ulanovas vs.Parker

### AS Monaco vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (19:00 CEST)

After falling just short of a place in last season’s Final Four, Monaco will aim for a strong start at home to powerfully rebuilt Milan. Roca Team superstar [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) is doubtful for Round 1 after undergoing surgery in the summer, while new signing [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-tabs-euroleague-assists-king-nick-calathes/) is out for three to four weeks. It will likely be the task of [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) and [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) to find giant [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-signs-georgios-papagiannis-away-from-fenerbahce/), who will hope to quickly develop an effective one-two big man punch with the returning [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/). Milan boss Ettore Messina has added plenty of experience during the off-season, including last season’s rebounding leader [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/milan-tabs-rebounding-leader-josh-nebo/). [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zach-leday-seals-return-to-olimpia-milano/) and [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-seals-move-for-leandro-bolmaro/) will add hustle to support star men [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) and [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), and the cool experience of [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-tabs-two-time-champion-fabien-causeur/) will be crucial in quickly setting Milan on the right path.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Diallo vs. Shields

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:30 CEST)

Pablo Laso makes his coaching debut for Baskonia with a visit from another legendary play-caller, Partizan’s Zeljko Obradovic. Baskonia sharpshooter [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) will receive last season’s Top Scorer Trophy before tip-off, and denying Howard open looks on the perimeter will be a major focus for the Partizan defense. A big summer signing for Baskonia is [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-announces-luwawu-cabarrot/), who will attempt to maintain the electric form he showed last season with ASVEL. Partizan has an almost entirely new roster, with only two players remaining. EuroLeague experience is provided by big men [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-adds-brandon-davies-at-center/) and [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-reels-in-isaac-bonga-to-belgrade/), along with guards [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-puts-iffe-lundberg-into-backcourt/) and [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-adds-scoring-threat-sterling-brown/). And if any coach can quickly craft a winning team out of so many new pieces, it’s surely the incomparable Obradovic.

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid (20:45 CEST)

Last season’s runner-up Real will aim for a winning start with a tough trip to ambitious Bayern. After losing the vast experience of [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/three-time-euroleague-champ-sergio-rodriguez-retires/) and [Rudy Fernandez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/rudy-fernandez-calls-time-on-a-glittering-career/) to retirement, *Los Blancos* will look for returning stars like [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) and [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) to take on even bigger leadership roles, while backcourt creativity and dominance in the paint are respectively guaranteed from [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) and [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/). New Real signing [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/real-madrid-baloncesto-serge-ibaka-reunite/) faces an immediate matchup with his former team, and he faces another big man with long-range scoring capability in the form of new Bayern arrival [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/johannes-voigtmann-returns-to-germany-joins-fc-bayern-basketball/). New coach [Gordie Herbert](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fc-bayern-basketball-tabs-world-champion-gordie-herbert-as-head-coach/) will hope for backcourt chemistry between new guards [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/bayern-bags-2023-euroleague-rising-star-yam-madar/) and [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fc-bayern-basketball-signs-point-guard-shabazz-napier/), and leadership will still be provided by the hustle of [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/001288/).

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Lucic vs. Deck

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (21:00 CEST)

After losing several key performers during the summer, Maccabi will hope that new stars will immediately be born with a visit from retooled ASVEL. [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/rokas-jokubaitis-seals-move-to-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/) and [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-pens-deal-2-year-deal-with-jordan-loyd/) provide an intriguing new backcourt combination with plenty of EuroLeague experience, but Maccabi cannot call upon another new signing, center [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-unveils-signing-of-wenyen-gabriel/), due to injury. After a tough couple of seasons, ASVEL will be desperate to enter the new campaign on a more optimistic note and coach Pierric Poupet can continue to put the team in the hands of backcourt stars [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/) – who led the league in steals last season – and [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/). Centers [Tarik Black](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tarik-black-strengthens-asvels-frontline/) and [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/asvel-inks-big-man-neal-sako/) are among half a dozen new signings hoping to make ASVEL more competitive this time around.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Blatt vs.Lee

## Friday, October 4

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (19:30 CEST)

Last season’s beaten semifinalists start the campaign with a bang as Fenerbahce confronts Olympiacos in Istanbul. It’s an immediate repeat of last season’s third-place game, narrowly edged by the Reds. Both teams boast exciting summer signings, headlined by Fenerbahce bringing giant [Boban Marjanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/boban-marjanovic-returns-to-europe-with-fenerbahce-beko/) back to Europe after a decade away. [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-signs-bonzie-colson-at-forward/) and [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-signs-star-guard-wade-baldwin/) will aim to repeat the excellence they routinely displayed for Maccabi last season, and [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-reunites-with-nicolo-melli/) will be eager to make a positive start to his second spell at Fenerbahce. For Olympiacos, there’s a very welcome return for former EuroLeague MVP [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sasha-vezenkov-seals-return-to-olympiacos-bc/) after just one year away, and an array of new backcourt stars including [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-adds-star-guard-evan-fournier-to-backcourt/) and [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-bc-tyler-dorsey-reunite/) join a formidable roster.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Hayes-Davis vs. Vezenkov

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (21:00 CEST)

After falling in the first edition of the play-in tournament last season, Virtus is hungry for even more as it welcomes the always dangerous Efes. Luca Banchi’s team still has the backcourt experience of [Daniel Hackett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/), [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/) and [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/), along with the inside presence of [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ante-zizic/004554/) and [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/). Joining them are exciting new signings [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-unveils-roster-with-will-clyburn-among-new-six-faces/) and [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-unveils-roster-with-will-clyburn-among-new-six-faces/), who faces an instant reunion with his former Efes teammates. [Shane Larkin ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/)is an injury doubt for the Turkish team, which still has plenty of talented guards with [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/), [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rodrigue-beaubois/006590/) and [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/). Coach Tomislav Mijatovic will also hope that new arrivals [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-picks-up-high-flying-center-vincent-poirier/) and [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/rolands-smits-signs-for-anadolu-efes/) can give his team more power in the paint to prevail in this season opener.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Cordinier vs. Bryant

### Paris Basketball vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (21:00 CEST)

After a scintillating season of success in the EuroCup, Paris is more than ready for its EuroLeague debut with a visit from new-look Zvezda. The French club has retained last year’s star guard duo [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/), while [new head coach Tiago Splitter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-appointed-tiago-splitter-as-head-coach/) has also retained big men [Leon Kratzer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/leon-kratzer/004512/) and [Bandja Sy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/bandja-sy/005793/). Joining them are fresh faces with EuroLeague experience like [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maodo-lo-heads-to-paris-basketball/), [Yakuba Ouattara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-picks-up-veteran-guard-yakuba-ouattara/) and [Kevarrius Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-basketball-fortifies-frontline-with-kevarrius-hayes/). Zvezda coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos has recruited several proven performers such as shooting star [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/isaiah-canaan-joins-kk-crvena-zvezda/), last season’s leading assists provider, [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-lands-playmaker-codi-miller-mcintyre/), and the returning [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-reunites-with-nikola-kalinic/). Power in the paint comes from [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) and long-serving [Luka Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-mitrovic/002553/), but [Milos Teodosic will miss the game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/round-34-disciplinary-sanctions/) through suspension.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Shorts vs. Miller-McIntyre

Some 130 days after Panathinaikos lifted the EuroLeague title in Berlin, the new season is ready to get underway

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