Fenerbahce on the rise: how the Istanbul giants made Turkish basketball history

MERSIN (Türkiye) - For eight years, everyone at Fenerbahce had to swallow the disappointment of fierce city rivals Galatasaray being the only Turkish club to have been crowned EuroLeague Women champions.

This hurt. In fact, it hurt a lot. 

Fenerbahce were the losers in what was the equivalent of a Turkish basketball space race with both juggernauts having craved the historic moniker of being the first to complete a very special EuroLeague Women mission.

"IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO BE THE BEST CLUB IN TÜRKIYE." - Emma Meesseman

Galatasaray took their opportunity in 2014 and to make matters even worse for Fenerbahce, they were beaten by their city rivals in that famous and landmark derby Final.

They had also lost out in the 2013 Final too, missing their opportunity to make history against UMMC Ekaterinburg.

Things have changed.

That long agonizing period of being behind in the trophy stakes against Galatasaray is over. So much so, they now find themselves 2-1 ahead having become the first Turkish team to win two titles and doing so with back-to-back victories.

It means that they now have boasting rights for the first time and it is something the players are even acutely aware of, especially in terms of just what that means.

"I think we have made them very proud because it is very important for them to be the best club in Türkiye," said back-to-back EuroLeague Women MVP Emma Meesseman,

"Now we have proven it's really like that. We are showing that we are a really big club that takes care of its players and I can be a witness to that."

Meanwhile Final Four MVP Kayla McBride also believes that once bitten by the rivalry in Istanbul and the sheer scale of just what it means to the fans, there is no going back.

She said: "It's intense, but in the best way as they are just so passionate about sports. They live it and it is part of their culture."

"It's running through my veins now. I have so much love for this club and I truly believe it has changed my life. I am always mindful and thankful to the fans for allowing me to be part of Fenerbahce.

"It is a dream come true as you want to be in clubs that are as passionate as you are."

"I AM JUST SO HAPPY FOR THE FANS BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONES THAT DESERVE IT SO MUCH."- Alperi Onar

Turkish guard and team captain Alperi Onar is someone who understands the real depth of competitiveness.

She added: "It means a lot of course as it was our dream. From the very beginning we were always working for the back-to-back and now it's really time for us to celebrate.

"For all the fans around Türkiye this second one means so much. We know the Fenerbahce family will enjoy it. I am just so happy for the fans because they are the ones that deserve it so much."

In beating Villeneuve d'Ascq in Mersin and retaining their precious crown, Fenerbahce also joined a small and elite list of clubs that have managed to do so down the years. Only four have managed it during the modern era.

The next task for Fenerbahce is now a third title in row; something only two clubs have achieved.

Who clubs have won back-to-back titles in the modern era of EuroLeague Women?

FIBA