MUNICH (Germany) - Bilbao Basket have the opportunity to do what no other team has done in the FIBA Europe Cup before. That is win the title for a second time.
But after becoming the first Spanish side to lift the trophy last season, Bilbao can also repeat as champions. Turkish side Bahcesehir College came the closest to being two-time champions when they lost in the 2024 Finals.
Last season's success
Bilbao defeated PAOK mateco over two legs to lift the FIBA Europe Cup title last season. The Spaniards won the first leg 72-65 at home before entering the cauldron in Thessaloniki for the second leg.
Despite the fierce atmosphere, Bilbao managed to establish a commanding double-digit lead on aggregate before PAOK roared back and even took the lead overall late on, before Bilbao kept their composure to win 154-149 overall, despite losing 84-82 in Greece. Melwin Pantzar scooped MVP honors.
It was the culmination of an incredible run, where Bilbao needed a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman to beat Tofas Bursa in the Quarter-Finals. Followed by defeating JDA Bourgogne Dijon in the last four, thanks to a jaw-dropping 41-16 fourth quarter, overturning a 19-point first-leg deficit.
Bilbao were also perfect on their home floor - something they'll look to replicate this season.
New additions
Last season's Finals MVP Pantzar and Finals x-factor Harold Frey, along with Tryggvi Hlinason and promising youngster Bassala Bagayoko, make up the core of returning players.
Alongside Serbian veteran Stefan Lazarevic, Bilbao has added Margiris Normantas, fresh off a solid campaign for Lithuania at FIBA EuroBasket 2025. However, Normantas will need to adjust to a different playing style, as he will be playing away from Lithuania for the first time in his career.
The roster is further strengthened with the addition of Darrun Hilliard - a former NBA and EuroLeague star who has enjoyed spells in Germany, Israel, Türkiye, and Spain with Baskonia - as well as Slovenian Martin Krampelj and Luke Petrasek of Poland.
Past champions
Highlighting the competitive nature of the FIBA Europe Cup, there has been a different winner throughout. Can Bilbao break the mould this season?
Season | Champions | Following season |
|---|---|---|
2015-16 | Fraport Skyliners (GER) | Did not participate |
2016-17 | Nanterre 92 (FRA) | Did not participate |
2017-18 | Umana Reyer Venezia (ITA) | Did not participate |
2018-19 | Bando di Sardegna Sassari (ITA) | Did not participate |
2020-21 | Ironi Ness Ziona (ISR) | Qualifiers |
2021-22 | Bahcesehir College (TUR) | Did not participate |
2022-23 | Anwil Wloclawek (POL) | Regular Season |
2023-24 | NINERS Chemnitz (GER) | Did not participate |
2024-25 | Bilbao Basket (ESP) | ??? |
*2019-20 FIBA Europe Cup season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
FIBA