BEIRUT (Lebanon) - It's going to be a whole different journey for BC Astana in the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL).
From being awarded an outright ticket to the culminating Final 8 in the first three seasons, the decorated ball club from Kazakhstan will now have to fight for that opportunity as part of the 2025-26 West Asia League cast.
FIBA WASL history
Yes, they will now have to compete in the Sub-Zone League beginning this season, which means a much more challenging attempt at winning another medal in the pan-regional meet owned and operated by FIBA.
It could be recalled that Astana took home the bronze during the inaugural Final 8 in Dubai following a 94-90 escape from a depleted Al Riyadi in the Third-Place Game of the tilt eventually ruled by Manama.
However, replicating as much has become difficult for the crew. They failed to reach the Semi-Finals in the next edition in Doha with only a 1-2 slate in the Group Phase, and then went winless in 2025 in Beirut.
Qualifying path
Astana, though, have earned a shot at redemption after conquering the 2024-25 Kazakhstan National League following their gentleman's sweep of Irbis-Alatau in the best-of-5 Final for their 12th title overall.
But the thing is, their comeback will have to start from the top as one of the five teams competing in the WASL-West Asia League, which happened as a result of a major change in the competition system.
Players to watch
Familiar faces will once again be at front and center for the Kazakh side in their upcoming stint, headlined by the troika of seasoned internationalists Rustam Murzagaliyev, Alexandr Zhigulin, and Vadim Chsherbak.
Chsherbak himself emerged as the top performer for Astana in the 2025 Final 8, posting per-game averages of 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists as he served as one of the few bright spots in their run.
Expected to reinforce the squad, on the other hand, are Lithuanian combo guard Adas Juskevicius plus playmaker Eric Day - both of which should comprise the backcourt of head coach Ramunas Cvirka.
To know more about Astana's path, click here.
FIBA