The wait is over. The EuroLeague, Europe`s premier basketball competition, has officially unveiled its full calendar for the 2025-26 season. While fans eagerly pore over the 38-round, 10-double-header schedule, some teams are already bracing themselves for an immediate, baptism-by-fire experience. Notably, Italy`s top contenders, Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna, find themselves facing formidable challenges right out of the gate, setting a high-stakes tone for their campaigns.
The Unveiling: A Marathon of High Stakes
The EuroLeague season is a true test of endurance, featuring 38 regular-season rounds interspersed with 10 demanding double-header weeks. This structure ensures a relentless pace, where consistency and squad depth are paramount. For the 2025-26 season, the journey begins with an immediate intensity for several clubs, promising thrilling matchups from day one.
Olimpia Milano`s Odyssey: A Road Warrior`s Welcome
Coach Ettore Messina`s Olimpia Milano is certainly not easing into the season. Their journey begins on September 30 in a notoriously hostile environment, taking on Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade. Just two days later, on October 2, they face another Serbian giant, Partizan, also in Belgrade. Indeed, four of their first five fixtures are away games – a true test of their road warrior credentials. One might wonder if the schedule makers have a particular fondness for frequent flyer miles, or simply enjoy orchestrating early-season drama.
Their loyal home crowd at the Mediolanum Forum will have to wait until October 9 to see them in action against Monaco, featuring former EuroLeague MVP Nikola Mirotic. Subsequent demanding away trips include clashes with Bayern Munich and Zalgiris Kaunas, completing a challenging initial stretch that will quickly reveal Milano`s early-season form.
Virtus Bologna`s Baptism by Fire: A Royal Introduction
Meanwhile, Dusko Ivanovic`s Virtus Bologna faces a different, yet equally daunting, initiation. They kick off their EuroLeague campaign at home on September 30, but it`s no gentle welcome party. Their opponent? None other than the reigning titans, Real Madrid. This high-profile opener at the Paladozza promises to be an immediate spectacle, testing Virtus`s mettle against arguably the league`s strongest contender.
After this formidable home challenge, Virtus will embark on their first away game on October 3 in Valencia, followed by a trip to Paris on October 9. Their home fixture list after Real Madrid reads like a who`s who of European basketball, with matchups against Monaco, Panathinaikos, Efes, and Maccabi. A true connoisseur`s selection of top-tier opponents right at their doorstep.
The Italian Derby: A Fixture to Circle
A highly anticipated date for the diaries of all Italian basketball enthusiasts is the “EuroDerby” between Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna. This first fierce clash between the two Italian powerhouses is scheduled for January 2, and will take place on Virtus Bologna`s home court. This internal rivalry adds another layer of intrigue to an already packed and competitive calendar.
Early Season Implications: Setting the Tone
The immediate intensity for teams like Milano and Bologna isn`t just about individual game results; it`s about setting a critical precedent. A strong start against formidable opponents can build crucial momentum and confidence, while early stumbles can force teams into an uphill battle for playoff positioning. The EuroLeague`s extensive 38-game regular season demands consistent performance, and these early tests serve as an immediate barometer for squad depth, tactical readiness, and mental fortitude. It`s a strategic chess game from the very first tip-off.
Conclusion: The Stage is Set
As the 2025-26 EuroLeague season draws nearer, the newly released calendar promises a thrilling journey filled with high-stakes encounters from the very first buzzer. For fans, it`s a meticulously crafted narrative of rivalries, redemption arcs, and the relentless pursuit of European basketball glory. For the teams, particularly those facing an immediate “gauntlet,” it`s a stark reminder that in the EuroLeague, there`s no such thing as an easy start. The stage is set; let the games begin.
Benedict Kingsley