Basketball enthusiasts may often hear about European leagues as a stepping stone or alternative to the NBA, yet what does this landscape truly look like?
European Basketball Leagues hold a rich and competitive tradition that often parallels the NBA’s level of play, showcasing some of the best talents from Europe and beyond. However, despite being home to numerous high-caliber leagues that have shaped many NBA stars, the complexities and excitement of European basketball are sometimes overlooked. Let’s explore these captivating European leagues where a blend of emerging talents and seasoned veterans play, offering a glimpse into the world of basketball that thrives across the continent.
Basketball’s EuroLeague, much like the Champions League, its soccer counterpart, is a competition in which teams from all leagues in Europe can qualify and compete. This 16-team competition runs October through April, and features the very top teams in Europe .
Similar to the Europa League in soccer, the 2nd tier cousin to the Champions League, the EuroCup is a 2nd tier basketball competition affording successful teams the opportunity to qualify for the EuroLeague.
The Turkish Basketball league, which features 16 teams in a season that lasts from October through April, is another league in which basketball is played at a high level. The league regularly fields some of the best teams in Europe (Fenerbahçe in particular).
Over the years the Turiksh Basketball League has featured future NBA players, past NBA players finishing their careers and coaches who were once in the NBA.
Spain’s Liga ACB, a league that houses some NBA level talent, is one of the most competitive leagues on the planet. This 17-team league, running from October through May, features former NBA players alongside some NBA prospects. Kristaps Porzingis, Nikola Mirotic and Marc Gasol all played in the ACB, and the league today features former NBA players.
In Italy’s 16 team league, which runs from October through May, Italian talent combines with foreign talent in a unique blend. Each team must have at least 5 Italian players, as well as a certain amount of players from within the European Union and from without the continent. This may be the oldest continuous basketball league on Earth (it started in 1920), and has boasted a number of future and former NBA players.
Russia’s United League, which features 13 teams in a season that lasts from October through April, comprises teams from Russia and from former Soviet states like Kazakhstan and Belarus. The league is very well regarded, and the team CSKA Moscow has regularly been one of the top teams in Europe. Since the Russia – Ukraine war began foreign players remaining in Russia to play have been a controversial topic.
Germany’s BBL, was started in 1966 and is currently rising in status in Europe. The BBL has 18 teams and a season that lasts from September through May. NBA great Dirk Nowitzki once graced its courts, as did Dennis Schroeder,Jared Cunningham and Chris Kaman.
The Ligue Nationale de Basket (LNB) is one of Europe’s most competitive and prestigious basketball leagues, where both emerging local talents and renowned international players converge. Established in 1921, LNB Pro A has long been a breeding ground for basketball excellence in France and beyond.
The ABA League, also known as the Adriatic Basketball Association, stands as one of the most competitive and diverse basketball leagues in Europe, uniting clubs from the former Yugoslavia and other countries in the region. Established in 2001, the ABA League has quickly become a symbol of basketball unity, quality, and development.
The Polish Basketball League, commonly known as the PLK, serves as Poland’s premier professional basketball competition, boasting a blend of domestic stars and international talents. Founded in 1995, the PLK has swiftly evolved into a symbol of basketball prowess and excitement within Poland.
