The 2026 EuroLeague Women play-ins kick off with four highly anticipated matchups, setting the stage for an exhilarating postseason. Here's a breakdown of the action, with a focus on the fresh and exciting rivalries that will unfold.
Fresh Matchups, Fresh Excitement
What makes the EuroLeague Women play-ins truly thrilling is the introduction of entirely new matchups. Unlike the group stage, where teams face each other multiple times, the play-ins ensure that none of the competing teams will have met before, adding an extra layer of unpredictability and excitement for fans.
Semifinal and Quarterfinal Play-ins
The play-ins are divided into two stages: semifinal and quarterfinal play-ins. In the semifinals, the top eight teams from the group stage will compete in best-of-three series to secure their spot in the Final Six. The quarterfinal play-ins, on the other hand, will determine the teams that will face the semifinal winners in the first round of the Final Six, with the losers being eliminated from the competition.
The Contenders
Let's take a closer look at the matchups and the teams involved:
Spar Girona vs. Fenerbahçe Opet (Semifinal Play-in): This clash features two powerhouse teams. Spar Girona, with a 8-4 record, will face the formidable Fenerbahçe Opet, who boast a 11-1 record. The key to this game lies in the rebounding battle. Spar Girona leads the league in offensive rebounds per game (13.9), while Fenerbahçe Opet is the top defensive rebound team (30.2). The presence of Breanna Stewart in Fenerbahçe's lineup further strengthens their chances, despite her absence until April.
Casademont Zaragoza vs. ZVVZ USK Praha (Quarterfinal Play-in): This encounter pits Casademont Zaragoza, with a 7-5 record, against ZVVZ USK Praha, who finished group play with a 8-4 record. The Czech team, however, faces a challenge as their star player, Brionna Jones, suffered a knee injury and will miss the rest of the competition. Zaragoza, known for their physical play and strong defense, will aim to exploit Praha's reliance on 3-point shooting.
Beretta Famila Schio vs. Umana Reyer Venezia (Quarterfinal Play-in): This Italian derby is a repeat of a previous domestic league encounter, with Schio holding a 2-0 record. Schio's higher scoring average (77.7 points per game) and superior 3-point shooting and assists make them a strong favorite. Venezia will need to disrupt Schio's offense and create transition opportunities to stay competitive.
Basket Landes vs. Galatasaray Çağdaş Faktoring (Semifinal Play-in): Galatasaray, on a mission to reclaim their glory, boasts an impressive 10-2 record. Their success is attributed to their efficiency in 2-point shots and their ability to block shots. Basket Landes, the underdog, has been a source of excitement with their deep rotation and strong rebounding (39.4 rebounds per game).
Where to Watch
All the action from these play-in matchups will be broadcast live and for free on FIBA's EuroLeague Women YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EuroLeagueWomen. Don't miss out on the thrilling competition and the chance to witness these talented teams battle for a spot in the Final Six!
