Teams
Fenerbahce Women
ZVVZ USK Praha Women
Famila Schio Women
Perfumerias Avenida Women
UMMC Ekaterinburg Women
Bourges Basket Women
Uniqa Euroleasing Sopron Women
Dynamo Kursk Women
Nadezhda Orenburg Women
CCC Polkowice Women
Villeneuve d'Ascq Women
Galatasaray Women
Basket Lattes Montpellier Women
Uni Girona Women
Wisla Can-Pack Women
Castors Braine Women
CBK Mersin Women
TTT Riga Women
Basket Landes Women
Lyon Women
VBW Arka Gdynia Women
Bellona Kayseri Women
Valencia Women
Aluinvent Miskolc Women
Szekszard Women
Good Angels Kosice Women
Olympiacos Women
Bologna Women
Hatay Women
Uni Gyor Women
Venezia Women
Yakin Dogu Universitesi Women
Zaragoza Women
MBA Moscow Women
Flammes Carolo Basket Women
BK Handicap Brno Women
Energa Torun Women
Kangoeroes-Willebroek Women
AZS UMCS Lublin Women
Mersin Buyuksehir Women
Sepsi Sic Women
Izmit Belediyespor Women
Sparta & K Vidnoe Women
Piestanske Cajky Women
Wikipedia - EuroLeague Women
The EuroLeague Women (officially known as the FIBA EuroLeague Women) is the pre-eminent basketball league in Europe for women's basketball clubs.
Unlike the EuroLeague Men, the competition is entirely organized by FIBA Europe.
History
EuroLeague Women is the main women's club basketball competition in Europe.
First established by FIBA in September 1958, the inaugural European women's club competition consisted of 10 teams and came about following the success of an equivalent tournament for men's clubs earlier in the same year. The men's tournament consisted of 46 games, with over 100,000 spectators turning out to watch.
At the initial tournament Slavia Sofia of Bulgaria were crowned champions, beating Soviet Dynamo Moscow 64–40 at home and then 44–34 on the Muscovites court. The two-game home-and-away format for the final remained until 1976, before changing to a single-game format the following year.
During its formative years, the tournament was dominated by Daugava Riga from Latvia (then Soviet Union) who appeared in 16 finals between 1960 and 1977, winning all 16 of them. The Latvian club maintains two records that are difficult to see being bettered, with 18 overall titles, as well as the record for winning 12 consecutive championships.
In the nineties, the competition underwent two key changes. The first was the introduction of the Final Four in 1992; and the second was the rebranding of the competition in 1996, when it went from being known as European Cup for Women's Champion Clubs to what it is known as today: EuroLeague Women.
The Final Four format was given its farewell in Ekaterinburg in 2011, when Halcón Avenida defeated Spartak Moscow Region 68–59; before the 2011/2012 season heralded in a new direction for EuroLeague Women with the Final Four replaced by a Final Eight tournament.
Istanbul were granted the honour of hosting the first Final Eight tournament where Spanish club Ros Casares Valencia prevailed victorious, defeating Rivas Ecópolis 65–52 in the final. In its second year, the EuroLeague Women Final Eight moved to Ekaterinburg, where tournament hosts UMMC Ekaterinburg prevailed 82–56 over Fenerbahçe in the final.
In 2014, Ekaterinburg was once again the host of what would ultimately be the final edition of the Final Eight, with the tournament destined to return to a Final Four format for this season. After shocking the home-town favourites UMMC Ekaterinburg in the semi-finals, Galatasaray then went on to become the first Turkish club to lift the title, defeating cross-city rival Fenerbahçe 69–58 in the gold medal game.
In February 2022, the Russian teams and officials were expelled from the tournament by FIBA for the playoffs due to the country's invasion of Ukraine. EuroLeague Women suspended Russian clubs UMMC Ekaterinburg, Dynamo Kursk, and MBA Moscow.
Names of the competition
- FIBA Women's European Champions Cup: (1958–1996)
- EuroLeague Women: (1996–present)
The tournament features a round-robin format, where teams compete against each other in intense matches to secure their spot in the knockout stages. The level of skill and athleticism displayed by the players is truly remarkable, as they demonstrate their mastery of the game through precise shooting, strategic plays, and exceptional teamwork.
The Euroleague Women tournament is known for its fast-paced and high-scoring games, where every possession counts. The players exhibit incredible speed, agility, and basketball IQ, making each match a captivating spectacle for basketball enthusiasts. The tournament also provides a platform for emerging talents to shine, as young players often make their mark and leave a lasting impression on the international stage.
The competition is not only about the on-court action but also about the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by the teams. The tournament fosters a sense of unity and respect among players, as they come together to represent their respective clubs and countries. The passion and dedication exhibited by the athletes create an electric atmosphere that resonates with fans, who eagerly support their favorite teams throughout the tournament.
The Euroleague Women tournament is a celebration of women's basketball, highlighting the immense talent and dedication of female athletes. It serves as a platform to promote gender equality in sports and inspire young girls to pursue their dreams in basketball. The tournament's impact extends beyond the court, as it contributes to the growth and development of women's basketball across Europe.
In conclusion, the Euroleague Women basketball tournament is a thrilling and prestigious event that showcases the best of women's basketball in Europe. With its high level of competition, skillful players, and passionate fans, the tournament is a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts and a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of female athletes.