MUNICH (Germany) - A blockbuster couple of weeks lie in wait as the EuroLeague Women Play-Ins take center stage in what promises to be an intense, entertaining and epic set of matchups.
The top two clubs from each Second Round group are competing in the Semi-Final Play-Ins, with clubs in third and fourth place crossing over in the Quarter-Final Play-Ins.
In a change of format for this current 2025-26 campaign, the Play-Ins will be a best-of-three series with the higher seeded teams having home advantage for the deciding game of the matchups - if it is required.
The winners of the Semi-Final Play-Ins will advance directly to the Semi-Finals. The losing teams will face the winners of the Quarter-Final Play-Ins in the Quarter-Finals.
EuroLeague Women Final Six will again be hosted in the Spanish city of Zaragoza from April 15-19.
Semi-Final Play-In: Fenerbahce Opet vs Spar Girona
Runaway favorites and especially after the signing of Breanna Stewart for the Final Six, Fenerbahce have not operated in top gear for a while, but have the stellar talent, depth and class to push past Girona Nevertheless, under Roberto Iniguez, history-makers Girona have the capacity to shine against his former club. But the caveat is that every baller will probably need to be at their best for an upset. Star player: Gabby Williams (Fenerbahce Opet) Key matchup: Iliana Rupert (Fenerbahce Opet) vs Mariam Coulibaly (Spar Girona) X-Factor: One of Girona's main attributes is their ferocious appetite for offensive boards that fuels a super 14.3 second chance points per game. That valuable source of scoring will need to continue, but it might be tough against a strong Fenerbahce frontcourt rotation. Meanwhile the Spanish team will probably have to turn up the volume from downtown as they average less than 30 percent from long-range.
Semi-Final Play-In: Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring vs Basket Landes
Both clubs are in a great spot - even if respective expectations were far apart. After assembling a star-studded roster, Galatasaray have impressed on their return to the competition and have dreams of silverware. Meanwhile Landes have already made history with a first Final Six spot and are balling out, ahead of anyone's expectations. Star player: Marine Johannes (Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring) Key matchup: Teja Oblak (Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring) vs Leila Lacan (Basket Landes) X-Factor: This could be the most fascinating of all Play-Ins. The contrast in Galatasaray's star-laden roster and a Landes team who punch above their weight through team basketball with no superstar names. Very well matched statistically, there's little to choose between them. But is this the time when it is ironically a French player in Marine Johannes of Galatasaray who puts up one of those special performances and proves to be the 'X-Factor'?
Quarter-Final Play-In: ZVVZ USK Praha vs Casademont Zaragoza
Can the reigning champions continue the defense of their cherished title a little longer? They've had a productive start to 2026 and won the last four in a row, but lost 2025 Final Six MVP, Brionna Jones to injury. As for Zaragoza, they have confidence and momentum from three wins in the last four as they seek their first ever Final Six spot. Star player: Valeriane Ayayi (ZVVZ USK Praha) Key matchup: Bridget Carleton (ZVVZ USK Praha) vs Helena Pueyo (Casademont Zaragoza) X-Factor: Zaragoza will have to harness their trademark defense to slow down Praha and if they suffocate their opponents with ball pressure and their all-around physical approach, they will potentially be in a good spot. The holders will probably look to push the tempo with Maite Cazorla and Pauline Astier, looking to outgun their rivals.
Quarter-Final Play-In: Umana Reyer Venezia vs Beretta Famila Schio
There will be an added dimension to this Play-In series, with both clubs also being fierce domestic rivals. The Italian duo look set for a deciding third game, with little to choose between them both. Indeed they finished the Regular Season with identical 7-5 records, while both have good depth to utilize and some standout stars. Star player: Jessica Shepard (Beretta Famila Schio) Key matchup: Kaila Charles (Umana Reyer Venezia) vs Maria Conde (Beretta Famila Schio) X-Factor: The perimeter game of Schio will continue to be a potentially decisive factor. Currently the best three-point shooting side in the competition and converting 37.6 percent, can they continue to light it up. Or, will Reyer come up with the strategy to shut them down on the arc - but without giving too much inside space to Shepard?
FIBA