MUNICH (Germany) - As the curtain gets ready to be lifted on the 2025-26 EuroLeague Women Regular Season, it's time to spark the debate about who's going to be hot and who's not when the action gets going.
Yes, it's time for the first volume of the Power Rankings that has been compiled by our expert panel and will be updated regularly throughout the campaign.
Our panel have taken into account roster changes made by the 16 participating clubs, expectations heading into the new season and the all-important draw.
1. Fenerbahce Opet
That's right: death, taxes and Fenerbahce being red-hot favorites to win the title. The frontcourt is arguably one of the most loaded in the competition's history (who's with us on that?) with Emma Meesseman, Jonquel Jones, Megan Gustafson, Iliana Rupert and Dominique Malonga. Throw in a playmaker like Julie Allemand to feed that frontcourt machine and it's going to be potentially unstoppable. Can anyone really deal with their sheer size?
2. ZVVZ USK Praha
As one fairytale story ends, is another one about to be written by rookie head coach Martin Basta? While unproven in the top job, he has an opportunity to extend the legacy of the holders. Even if many big name players have gone, quality has arrived with the likes of Janelle Salaun, Bridget Carleton and Pauline Astier. Yet the real reason for a top two ranking for the champs is actually the return of Brionna Jones and Valeriane Ayayi. Elite and proven leaders.
3. Galatsaray Cagdas Faktoring
We're not sure if you should whisper it quietly as there are no guarantees, but the crazy passionate fans in Istanbul will want to shout it loud - so here goes, "Gala are back and set for Final Six!" It's the only logical conclusion after blockbuster arrivals such as Marine Johannes and Teja Oblak in a backcourt of mega talent and experience. Awak Kuier, Dorka Juhasz and Elizabeth Williams are in the paint and our eyes are popping at the potential for success.
4. Valencia Basket Club
After the disappointment of losing the Spanish SuperCup to archrivals Zaragoza, there's work to do. But coming off their best ever finish in EuroLeague Women, they have momentum in the competition and that also comes with most big-hitters being back on board such as Raquel Carrera, Leonie Fiebich, Queralt Casas, Kayla Alexander and Alina Iagupova. With the often underrated Maria Araujo joining, Valencia have every reason to belive they can be challening once again.
5. Beretta Famila Schio
It's been a busy off-season with Victor Lapena replacing Georgios Dikaioulakos and as one favorite exits, another favorite returns in Cecilia Zandalalsini who is joyfully back to where it all started. Maria Conde will shine on the wings with the still present Kitija Laksa and in the paint there's enormous strength and a hard-nosed edge with Anete Steinberga, Jessica Shepard and Marieme Badiane. The core rotation looks so experienced and dangerous.
6. CIMSA CBK Mersin
Good news is plentiful. Pitched into a group which makes them massive favorites, the arrival of a quality proven coach in Georgios Dikaioulakos, plus a cosmopolitan mix of top ballers who could make this ranking look harsh. Yueru Li and Julie Vanloo will debut in the competition, while the late addition of Laura Juskaite has turned heads further. But with limited continuity and chemistry still to be proven, it's still a wait and see. But expect them to soar.
7. Casademont Zaragoza
If it feels generous then we're guilty of riding the wave of magic and emotion from that amazing rescue mission in the Qualifiers. Mariona Ortiz was the 'Comeback Queen' with an extraordinary display of leadership and now she's linking the backcourt with last year's EuroCup Women MVP, Carla Leite. Fresh from a Spanish SuperCup success, the clouds have lifted. But can their frontcourt keep pace in terms of productivity and impact with the backcourt?
8. Tango Bourges Basket
We've over-baked the cake with 8th right? Maybe it's a knee jerk to their Qualifiers win against Kibirkstis. But even if they lost talent and experience in the summer, they still have Kariata Diaby as a colossus and endless French players that can shine such as Marie-Paule Foppossi, Maeva Djadi-Tabdi, Tima Pouye, Alix Duchet and Laetitia Guapo. Oh and Alicia Tournebize can dunk! Still not convinced with 8th? Then swap them with group rivals Girona.
9. Sopron Basket
To excel and attain this ranking or above, they will need their main players to hit top gear as the former champions are not overly deep when it comes to bench options and know-how. But they do have a true veteran star in Jelena Brooks and Slovenian national team ace Zala Friskovec. There'll be a lot of hype around Croatian diamond Nika Muhl and fellow competition rookie Tara Wallack. Both must hit the ground running and deliver for their new team.
10. Umana Reyer Venezia
Never quite able to truly challenge at the top of this competition and yet also rarely finding themselves looking all the way up from the very bottom, Reyer will possibly continue to sit perfectly in this middle band of clubs. A 'vanilla flavour' is potentially extended again, but maybe Ivana Dojkic, Steph Mavunga, Kaila Charles and Joyner Holmes will shake things up and ensure the Italian club take a step up. If only fearless rising star Matilde Villa was healthy.
11. Spar Girona
This relatively lowly ranking feels fragile and about to be ripped up, but there is also that sense in the gut that things could go either way for Girona. Certainly we know where the camera lens will be focused and that will be on new signing Juste Jocyte. Balling alongside the super Klara Holm and also with Laeticia Amihere riding into town, there is a vibrant feel for their return to the competition. Watch this space - it could be a thrilling (upward) ride!
12. DVTK HUNTHERM
The formula for DVTK is constant and having navigated the Qualifers, they're back again for another season most likely built on continuity, strong defense and noisy home support in Miskolc. This has contributed to memorable moments for a club that were rookies only a few seasons ago. The addition of Paula Ginzo could end up being priceless and she will join a settled roster with no real stellar individuals. Instead, investing deeply in teamwork.
13. Basket Landes
The positive for Landes is their proven track record in front of their home fans which allows them to defy any gloomy pre-season predictions most seasons. They love a home win and are also in a group which could provide great opportunities. Roster-wise, the concern is that they might be 'skinny' on proven talent. But Leila Lacan is growing in influence, debutante Murjanatu Musa could tear it up and veteran Julie Wojta knows how to get it done.
14. Flammes Carolo Basket
Ready to embrace their underdogs label, can Carolo make a splash, even in the same group as Galatasaray and Schio? If they do make an impact, home court comfort will be key - along with Liz Dixon trying to repeat her double-double EuroCup Women season at Panathinaikos. Tiffany Clarke will be influential, as will Noemie Brochant and there will be a lot of eyes on rookie Tenin Magassa as the center jumps from the NCAA to start her pro-career.
15. VBW Gdynia
It's always a jump from EuroCup Women into the top tier and the Polish champs will be keen to show they can be a tough proposition and fight at this level. Stephanie Jones and Ruth Hebard will be their torch bearers again this season, while Barbora Wrzesinski will use her immense experience to pull the strings. They could have been in a worse group and so will have confidence. Is that misplaced, or might they actually end up causing a few upsets?
16. Olympiacos SFP
Kepeing their head above water and staying competitive will be the most realistic proposition for the Pireaus-based side, although it's still good to dream. But their group is not ideal with Fenerbahce and Valencia in it, so maybe it will be more of a nightmare. Eleanna Christinaki is back again, with new faces such as Ciera Johnson, Daniel Raber and Nausia Woolfolk asked to try and not ensure it is a cut and paste of last season's uphill struggle.
DISCLAIMER: The Power Rankings are put together by our expert panel. They are entirely subjective and are in no way a true and accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.
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