MIAMI (United States) – MIAMI (United States) – The Basketball Champions League Americas 2025-26 Group A is set to tip off on January 27. The group features Paisas Basketball Club (COL), making its second consecutive appearance, alongside newcomers Caimanes del Llano (COL) and Astros de Jalisco (MEX). Paisas will host the opening games at Iván de Bedout Coliseum in Medellín. Hosting duties will then shift to Caimanes beginning February 1 in Villavicencio, before Astros close out the group stage at home in Guadalajara starting on February 10. Thanks to their superior depth, the Mexican team enters as the favorite, while Paisas — who reached the Quarter-Finals last season — can lean on that experience in their bid to advance once again. Thanks to their superior depth, the Mexican side enters as the favorite. Meanwhile, Paisas reached the Quarter-Finals last season and can lean on that experience in its push to advance yet again. Here’s how the 3 teams stack up heading into their Season 7 debut of the BCL Americas:
Astros de Jalisco (MEX)
In Mexico’s LNBP, the team reached the Semi-Finals in the most recent season and finished just one win shy of advancing to the Finals. During the regular season, the Astros suffered only three losses in 28 games, underscoring the level achieved under Spanish head coach Iván Deniz. He will also lead the team in its international campaign.
Key facts
Appearances: Debutant
Best finish: –
All-time record: –
Against group rivals: –
Notable: Astros will become the fifth Mexican team to compete in the BCL Americas (Capitanes de Ciudad de México, Fuerza Regia de Monterrey, Libertadores de Querétaro and Halcones de Xalapa).
Players to watch
The Mexican side features one of the deepest and most complete rosters in the competition. The following six players have national team experience with Mexico: veterans Karim Rodríguez, Paul Stoll and Israel Gutiérrez, along with Moisés Andriassi, Diego Willis and Víctor Álvarez. The imports are equally high-level, including Venezuela’s Michael Carrera, the Dominican Republic’s Adonys Henríquez and Jamaica’s Tyran De Lattibeaudiere. Former NBA guard Trey Burke, who played eight seasons in the league, is expected to be one of the team’s leaders.
Outlook
The Astros have the pieces to control Group A and could also emerge as a dangerous opponent in the Playoffs if the team meets expectations. Teams from this group will cross over in the next round with Group B, where Nacional (URU) has already secured first place, and defending champion Flamengo (BRA) finished second.
Caimanes del Llano (COL)
This team earned its spot in the BCL Americas after finishing as runners-up in Colombia’s professional league during the first half of 2025. Later that year, in the second edition of the domestic competition, the team was unable to complete its schedule due to a sanction. Colombian head coach Jaime Ortíz will lead the squad in his first continental campaign.
Key facts
Appearances: Debutant
Best finish: –
All-time record: –
Against group rivals: –
Notable: Caimanes will become the fourth Colombian team to compete in the BCL Americas (Titanes de Barranquilla, Toros del Valle and Paisas Basketball Club).
Players to watch
Point guard Octavio Muñoz, forward Yildon Mendoza and big man Sebastián Valencia— all with previous stints on Colombia’s national team — are the team’s main references. They will be joined by Americans Shawn Foxbrennen Jr. and Jamahl Smith, as well as Argentine Alejo Britos.
Outlook
On paper, and considering roster depth and limited experience, Caimanes enter as the longest shot in the group. The lack of continuity from the interrupted domestic season may also impact early chemistry.
Paisas Basketball Club (COL)
Paisas captured both Colombian league titles in 2025, asserting clear dominance in the second tournament by sweeping both the Semi-Finals and the Finals. Venezuelan head coach Daniel Seoane has been the architect of this ambitious project, which now aims to make its mark beyond national borders.
Key facts
Appearances: 2 (2024-25, 2025-26)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2024-25)
All-time record: 3-5
Contra los rivales del grupo: –
Notable: Paisas have managed just one home win in BCL Americas play.
Players to watch
The Colombian core is led by Luis Almanza, MVP of the most recent Colombian Finals and a national team member. He is joined by Soren De Luque, Leyder Moreno, and veterans John Hernández and José Lozano. Imports include Eric Crawford, Brandon Weatherspoon, Michael Miles Jr., Jonathan Agustin Fairell, Luis Bethelmy and Jared Ruiz.
Outlook
Paisas will be challenged by Astros but appear well-positioned to contend for one of the top two spots in the group and potentially replicate last season’s Quarter-Final run.
FIBA