MIES (Switzerland) - Summer's endings and familiar beginnings. Return to our beloved habits.
That's one way to describe the feeling of returning to Basketball Champions League, powered by Ameresco SUNEL action as the competition enters Season 11, tipping off on October 6 with the usual format.
With 32 teams divided into eight groups with four teams each, eight sides will gain access to the Round of 16 by winning their respective groups.
The fourth-placed teams in the eight groups won't continue their trajectory in the competition, being out of contention after the first six games.
Purgatory belongs to the second-placed and third-placed teams in the groups, as these sides from adjacent groups (A2 vs. B3, B2 vs. A3) will square off in the Play-Ins: best-of-three series with the winners advancing to complete the Sweet 16 picture.
That's why we have decided to preview Groups A&B together, keeping in mind that it's important to know what's going on in the neighboring group. Let's roll with it, as Season 11's just around the corner.
The favorites
Group A: "Everybody expects Rytas to start Season X strong," we were stating on the eve of Season X. While they had a 4-2 beginning in the 2025-26 Group Stage, they surely finished in strong fashion.
It took them six seasons, but the Lithuanian powerhouse not only overcame the Top 16 and qualified for the Final Four for the first time, but even conquered the trophy in a stunning and eventful Final against AEK BC.
After winning the BCL in Badalona, they were one possession away from lifting the FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2026, losing to NBA G League United in Beijing. So, despite tough competition, it's hard not to rank them as favorites in Group A.
Yes, they have lost long-time head coach Giedrius Zibenas, but they've decided to follow continuity as Nedas Pacevicius took his spot after one season as assistant coach.
They also had to say goodbye to several important players who provided high-level performances in 2025-26, such as Jerrick Harding, Ignas Sargiunas, Simonas Lukosius, and Speedy Smith.
But they have kept a strong core, welcoming back Lithuanian internationals Gytis Radzevicius and Matas Jogela, who grew up in Rytas' youth system, while also adding Cassius Winston and Michael Devoe.
Group B: Coming off their second-place campaign in 2024-25, Galatasaray MCT Technic were expected to return strong in Season 11, reaching once again the BCL Final Four.
Their 40-point defeat to La Laguna Tenerife in Game 3 of last season's Quarter-Final series left a bitter taste in the Turkish powerhouse's mouth. At the same time, it might work as the perfect motivation to fuel their spirit.
Gianmarco Pozzecco's team underwent a complete renovation and makeover during the summer transfer window, but they will still approach the 2026-27 season as early favorites to top Group B.
Saying goodbye to James Palmer Jr., Fabian White Jr., Errick McCollum, and Will Cummings, the red-and-yellow team had to necessarily bring in a mix of experience and high-level talent in the guard and forward rotations.
The backcourt duo composed of Nikola Ivanovic and Aleksej Nikolic could work well under the Atomic Fly's playmaking instruction, while Dyshawn Pierre has already won a FIBA Europe Cup and an Italian Supercup with Gianmarco Pozzecco as head coach when playing for Dinamo Sassari.
Last but not least, keeping in mind Jerome Robinson return, Alen Smailagic and Vrenz Bleijenbergh should have plenty of playing time; moreover, expect Oumar Ballo to deliver by rocking the rim and protecting it at the other end.
Games to watch
Group A: We have already spoken about Rytas in pole position on the starting grid, but the gap between the Lithuanians and the runner-up might be closer than what most people think.
Despite this being the first-ever apperance in the competition for Trabzonspor, the 15th Turkish participant since the competition started in 2016-17, the claret-and-blue team have built a very competitive roster with Isaiah Canaan, Troy Caupain, Shaquille Harrison, Xavier Tillman, and Marcus Keene as newcomers.
You really shouldn't miss the action between these two teams, scheduled on October 28 at 18:30 CET (in Vilnius) and on December 9 at 18:00 CET (in Trabzon) in Group A of the BCL Regular Season.
Group B: SIG Strasbourg and Cibona are at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to club experience in the BCL, respectively entering their 9th and 2nd Regular Season in the competition.
Ten years have passed since the Croatian team's first BCL campaign, when they actually squared off against the French team. Different eras, different coaches, different players, but the same clubs clashing.
The duel that once involved players like Ante Zizic, Frank Ntilikina, Scottie Reynolds, and A.J. Slaughter, among others, will likely be crucial heading into the Play-Ins in Season 11.
They will play in consecutive rounds, on November 3 in Strasbourg and on November 18 in Zagreb, with both matchups scheduled at 20:00 CET. You shouldn't miss these.
Cinderella stories
Group A: With Rytas starting on top, Trabzonspor right behind, and Nanterre 92 counting on three previous years participating in the competition, Sabah BC are returning for back-to-back appearances in the BCL.
While the football side of the Azeri multi-sports club have historically qualified for the UEFA Champions League, the black-and-pink basketball club are eager to build on their 2025-26 experience.
Last season, they got their first-ever BCL win (105-87 against ERA Nymburk). Having confirmed Justin Tillman and Gerry Blakes, while adding Nick Perkins and Charles Manning, could they surprise even more?
Group B: In the battle for the Play-Ins, Legia Warszawa will also raise their voice alongside Strasbourg and the returning Cibona, as the Polish side are entering their 3rd season in the BCL.
Their previous two appearances saw them out of contention after the Group Stage, at the bottom of Group C in 2022-23 (with Galatasaray, Hapoel Holon, and Filou Oostende) and of Group A in 2025-26 (with Rytas, MLP Academics Heidelberg, and Promitheas Vikos Cola). They must be driven for something more.
Led on the bench by the Estonian national team's head coach Heiko Rannula, they will leave most of the offensive responsibilities to Devon Daniels, who put up 16.9 points per game in Hamburg last season.
Players to watch
Group A: Prior to Rytas' glorious campaign in Season X, being crowned champions in Badalona, the Lithuanian powerhouse's beloved fans witnessed exciting nights when led by the team's former captain, Gytis Radzevicius.
Vilnius' hometown hero earned his shot abroad in the Basque Country in 2025-26, missing out on an outstanding European triumph, but in 2024-25 he was named MVP of the Group Stage. Can't wait to see him back on the court with The Black White Reds, next to another Lithuanian to watch, Augustas Marciulionis.
Trabzonspor's ambitions in their rookie season are pretty high, and Marcus Keene is here to deliver. The last time he played in the BCL, he put up 18.1 points and 4.6 assists per night in Strasbourg. A walking bucket.
Group B: We know for a fact that Gianmarco Pozzecco has always wanted to have a trusty ally on his teams with the control room in his hands.
After two solid seasons in Brescia, Nikola Ivanovic has moved to Istanbul and will become Galatasaray's drive. Keep an eye on the Montenegrin veteran.
Another player you must follow in Group B of the 2026-27 BCL Regular Season is definitely Jaylen Hands, as his previous Greek experience in the competition speaks for itself: 14.1 points per game with PAOK Mateco in 2023-24 and 15.0 points per game in 2024-25 under Vassilis Spanoulis in Peristeri bwin.