EuroLeague 2026/27 Preview: Schedule, Favorites and Betting

by OlyBet
October 1, 2026
EuroLeague 2026/27 preview detailed guide featured image, basketball
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What is this year’s EuroLeague format?

Just like last season, 20 teams are participating in the EuroLeague, playing a total of 38 matches in the regular season. This means teams face each other both at home and away.

At the end of the regular season, teams finishing in places 1–6 advance directly to the playoffs, teams in places 7–10 participate in the play-in tournament, and teams in places 11–20 miss out on the postseason.

This year, the EuroLeague regular season begins on September 24 and runs until April 16. The play-in games take place on April 20 and 23, followed by the standard playoffs.

The EuroLeague season culminates in the Final Four, scheduled for May 28–30; while originally planned for Abu Dhabi, the event could be moved elsewhere due to instability in the region.

EuroLeague 2026/27 season

Top favorites for the 2026/27 EuroLeague season

Olympiacos

Reigning EuroLeague champion Olympiacos is once again among the top favorites this year. The Greek side retained much of its core roster and strengthened the squad with, among others, Jean Montero and Codi Miller-McIntyre.

Olympiacos has also displayed impressive form in the preseason, defeating Fenerbahçe, Crvena Zvezda, and Maccabi Tel Aviv in exhibition matches.

Olympiacos odds at OlyBet: 4.00

Real Madrid

Although Real Madrid is currently going through a transitional period, the Spanish powerhouse remains among the favorites.

Over the summer, the team added players such as Jaime Pradilla, Mikael Jantunen, and Max Shulga. In preseason games, Madrid demonstrated tremendous offensive power, notably defeating Baskonia by a score of 121–80.

Real Madrid odds at OlyBet: 8.50

Panathinaikos

Panathinaikos continues its “arms race”: Guerschon Yabusele, Isaac Bonga, and Moustapha Fall joined the Athens club over the summer. Consequently, many experts consider the Greek powerhouse a title contender again this year.

Panathinaikos odds at OlyBet: 4.00

Fenerbahçe

Coached by Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahçe has been part of the European elite in recent years, and this season is no exception. The arrival of Shane Larkin adds a whole new dimension to the Turkish team’s offense, and with a strong core, Fenerbahçe is a team to watch.

Fenerbahçe odds at OlyBet: 8.00

Top favorites according to OlyBet odds

According to OlyBet’s season odds, the following clubs are among the top favorites for the 2026/27 EuroLeague season:

Team Odds
Olympiacos 4.00
Panathinaikos 4.00
Fenerbahçe 8.00
Real Madrid 8.50

Potential dark horses for the 2026/27 EuroLeague

Valencia Basket

Valencia made several very interesting additions over the summer. The arrival of TJ Shorts and Dylan Osetkowski significantly boosts the team’s quality, and Valencia could be one of the clubs capable of breaking into the playoffs.

Odds for Valencia reaching the playoffs at OlyBet: 3.00

Hapoel Tel Aviv

Hapoel Tel Aviv, having joined the EuroLeague, has made a very strong impression during the preseason. The Israeli club defeated teams such as Partizan and Bayern Munich in exhibition games, and their roster includes several players with EuroLeague experience.

Odds for Hapoel Tel Aviv reaching the playoffs at OlyBet: 1.35

Žalgiris Kaunas

Žalgiris, the pride and joy of Lithuanian basketball, made one of the summer’s most notable moves by bringing Jonas Valančiūnas into the squad. If the Lithuanians can make the most of their home-court advantage, they could play their way into the playoffs.

Odds for Žalgiris reaching the playoffs at OlyBet: 1.80

What to bet on in the EuroLeague?

The EuroLeague is one of the most popular basketball competitions among bettors, and in addition to individual games, it offers the chance to place season-long bets. At OlyBet, you can wager on various long-term markets that offer value throughout the entire season.

Teams to keep an eye on

Dubai Basketball

The Dubai project remains one of the most intriguing stories in European basketball. This year, several high-caliber players were added to the roster, led by Thomas Walkup and Élie Okobo. Additionally, the team is coached by the experienced Xavi Pascual.

Barcelona

Barcelona is embarking on a new era this year following the departure of several key players. Consequently, the question is not so much whether Barcelona will reach the playoffs, but whether the new core can gel quickly enough to genuinely compete with the favorites.

Anadolu Efes

The additions of Mike James and Dario Šarić make Anadolu Efes one of the hardest teams to gauge this season. If the new lineup clicks quickly, Efes could emerge as a title contender.

Key Dates for the 2026/27 EuroLeague Season

Regular Season

  • Start: September 24, 2026
  • End: April 16, 2027

Play-in

  • April 20, 2027
  • April 23, 2027

Play-offs

  • 27 April 2027 – 12 May 2027

Final Four

  • 28–30 May 2027

How to watch the EuroLeague?

In Estonia and the other Baltic states, EuroLeague matches are broadcast by Go3. The Go3 Sport package allows you to watch live coverage of all EuroLeague regular season, play-in, play-off, and Final Four games, thereby offering excellent opportunities for live betting as well.

Additionally, Tele2 customers should look into adding sports channels to their existing TV package. For basketball fans, Go3 is currently the most convenient way to follow the entire EuroLeague season from start to finish, including the Final Four.

How to bet on the EuroLeague responsibly

  • Play responsibly. 18+
  • Don’t let emotions guide you
  • Set a fixed budget
  • Avoid trying to recoup losses
  • Analyze team form and injuries
  • Compare different betting markets

Once again, the EuroLeague offers basketball fans plenty of exciting and nail-biting games that are worth betting on after a thorough analysis.

Additionally, when visiting OlyBet, it is worth keeping an eye on their basketball offers and special bets, which may offer attractive odds throughout the season.

FAQ about the 2026/27 EuroLeague season

Who are the main favorites for the 2026/27 EuroLeague?

Olympiacos, Real Madrid, Panathinaikos, and Fenerbahçe are considered the main favorites.

When does the 2026/27 EuroLeague season start?

The regular season begins on September 24, 2026.

How many teams advance to the playoffs?

The top six teams advance directly to the playoffs, while teams finishing 7th through 10th compete in the play-in tournament for the final spots.

Who might be the season’s biggest surprise teams?

Valencia Basket, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Žalgiris Kaunas are among the potential dark horses.

The most popular markets are the EuroLeague winner, regular season winner, reaching the Final Four, qualifying for the playoffs, and bets on individual game winners.

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