ALBA BERLIN, Germany’s most successful club with 22 domestic and cup titles, has confirmed its participation in the 2025-26 Basketball Champions League (BCL) season. The move marks the return of the team from the German capital to European competitions organized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) after 24 years competing in Euroleague Basketball tournaments.
From its debut in the 1990-91 season until the end of the 2000-2001 campaign, ALBA BERLIN played eleven seasons in FIBA competitions, achieving its greatest historical success with victory in the Korac Cup in 1995. Now, the club is looking to open a new chapter in its European history.
A key reinforcement for the Basketball Champions League
The addition of ALBA BERLIN to the tenth season of the BCL strengthens the competition and supports FIBA’s vision to transform the ecosystem of club competitions in Europe. This announcement follows the joint statement by FIBA and the NBA on March 27 exploring the creation of a new men’s professional basketball league in Europe.
Marco Baldi, CEO of ALBA BERLIN, stressed the importance of this move: “By joining the Basketball Champions League, we are entering an exciting chapter and responding to the evolving European basketball landscape.” Baldi also stressed that the conditions for securing a place in the EuroLeague have changed significantly in recent years, which motivated the club to seek an alternative aligned with its values of financial sustainability and development of the sport.
Statements from BCL leaders
Patrick Comninos, CEO of the Basketball Champions League, called the arrival of ALBA BERLIN an important milestone for the competition. “Our vision since the inception of the BCL has been to offer fans the highest quality competition and to advance FIBA’s strategic priorities to reshape the ecosystem of club competitions.”
The executive also highlighted the relevance of Berlin as a key market for the long-term vision of the BCL. According to Comninos, ALBA BERLIN brings a rich tradition, numerous achievements on and off the court, a state-of-the-art pavilion, a strong training program and a vibrant basketball community.
Basketball Champions League in Germany
In Germany, Basketball Champions League games are broadcast live on DYN. During the current 2024-25 season, 32 clubs from 16 countries compete in the tournament. The regular phase includes eight groups of four teams facing each other in round-robin matches, followed by the Play-Ins, round of 16 and quarterfinals.
