BEIRUT (Lebanon) - The FIBA Regional Office-Asia on Monday, September 15, has confirmed the addition of BC Astana to the West Asia League for the 2025-26 FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) season.
The multi-titled ball club from Kazakhstan will now become part of the Sub-Zone League in one of the significant changes made for the pan-regional competition's fourth edition, which opens shop in October.
The CABA representatives will be among the six teams competing in the WASL-West Asia League, the format of which has been revised.
The top four teams after the single round-robin, home-and-away Group Phase will reach the Semi-Finals. The no. 1 seed will face the fourth-ranked team, while the second and third-placed teams comprise the other bracket.
The Semi-Finals will be a best-of-3. Winners will advance to the Final, which is also a best-of-3, with the losing sides playing in the knockout Third-Place Game as the three best teams will advance to the Final 8.
The Final Phase will also be played in a home-and-away format.
The team finishing fourth, however, can still vie for a spot in the Final 8 as they will take on the fourth-placer of the WASL-Gulf League for the coveted ticket, according to the new qualification system.
Seven WASL teams plus the SABA champions will make up the 2025-26 Final 8.
Aside from Astana, also confirmed to compete in the upcoming WASL-West Asia League season are defending three-time champions Al Riyadi, Sagesse SC, Shahrdari Gorgan, Al Wahda SC, and Al Difaa Al Jawi.
Riyadi are also coming in as the reigning two-time WASL champions.
The WASL-Gulf League, on the other hand, will be composed of eight teams, namely reigning titlists Shabab Al Ahli, Ittihad Club, Kuwait Club, Kazma, Al Arabi SC, and Muharraq plus newcomers Al Ula Club and Al Sharjah.
The 2025-26 FIBA WASL season tips off on October 13. The full schedule of the tournament, which is fully owned and operated by FIBA, as well as the complete rosters of each competing side will be communicated soon.
FIBA