MUNICH (EuroLeague Women) - The EuroLeague Women trophy is back in the hands of Fenerbahce Opet and also back strengthening the impressive resume of playcaller Miguel Mendez.
The Spanish coach has also consolidated second spot in the list of coaches with the most titles in the EuroLeague Women era after landing his fourth crown.
His first three came in consecutive seasons for Russian juggernauts, UMMC Ekaterinburg in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
That takes him to within two of Slovakian legend Natalia Hejkova who is still way out in front, famously retiring in 2025 with a fairytale ending for ZVVZ USK Praha and an astonishing sixth title.
Her other titles came a decade ago with Praha, with a double for Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje in 2007 and 2008 previous to this. It all started with another back-to-back achievement in 1999 and 2000 with SCP Ruzomberok.
There are four coaches in the modern era with two titles to their name. Vadim Kapranov won with Bourges in 1997 and 1998, Laurent Buffard delivered success for Valenciennes in 2002 and 2004, Lucas Mondelo triumphed with Perfumerias Avenida in 2011 and Dynamo Kursk in 2017, while Olaf Lange did a UMMC double in 2013 and 2016.
While Hejkova leads the modern-day era of the competition, there's no one can match all-time leader Raimonds Karnitis. The Latvian coach produced an extraordinary 15 titles with Daugava Riga between 1964 and 1982 - including a famous run of 12 in a row.
Italian Aldo Corno also deserves recognition too, having won six titles - including four in a row with Vicenza between 1985 and 1988. His others coming for SFT Como in 1994 and 1995.
Coaches with modern-era EuroLeague Women titles
Coach | Titles | Total |
|---|---|---|
Natalia Hejkova (SVK) | ZVVZ USK Praha (2025, 2015) Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje (2008, 2007) SCP Ruzomberok (2000, 1999) | 6 |
Miguel Mendez (ESP) | Fenerbahce Opet (2026) UMMC Ekaterinburg (2021, 2019, 2018) | 4 |
Lucas Mondelo (ESP) | Dynamo Kursk (2017) Perfumerias Avenida (2011) | 2 |
Olaf Lange (GER) | UMMC Ekaterinburg (2016, 2013) | 2 |
Laurent Buffard (FRA) | Valenciennes (2004, 2002) | 2 |
Vadim Kapranov (RUS) | Bourges Basket (1998, 1997) | 2 |
Valerie Garnier (FRA) | Fenerbahce (2024) | 1 |
Marina Maljkovic (SRB) | Fenerbahce (2023) | 1 |
David Gaspar (HUN) | Sopron Basket (2022) | 1 |
Ekrem Memnun (TUR) | Galatasaray (2014) | 1 |
Roberto Iniguez (ESP) | Ros Casares (2012) | 1 |
Pokey Chatman (USA) | Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje (2010) | 1 |
Laszlo Ratgeber (HUN) | Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje (2009) | 1 |
Jan Bobrovsky (CZE) | Gambrinus Brno (2006) | 1 |
Igor Grudin (RUS) | VMB-SGAU Samara (2005) | 1 |
Zoran Visic (SRB) | UMMC Ekaterinburg (2003) | 1 |
Olivier Hirsch (FRA) | Bourges Basket (2001) | 1 |
FIBA