MUNICH (Germany) - The 2024-25 EuroLeague Women campaign is about to get underway, with several clubs from across the continent ready to take to the court for the highly anticipated Qualifiers. Here's a quick-fire guide to everything you need to know.
What's new this season?
There are just three spots available for the EuroLeague Women Regular Season, now split into two rounds, and every one of the six competing clubs will have their sights firmly set on moving to the main phase of the competition.
There is also the additional incentive of being involved in what will be a groundbreaking campaign. The format of the competition has been changed and enhanced for 2024-25, including the introduction of a Final Six where the eventual champion will be determined.
When do the Qualifiers start?
The Qualifiers draw produced three exciting ties, with the winner of each progressing to the First Round. These matchups will be played on a home and away basis.
The first meetings will take place on September 17 and 18, with the return games a week later on either Tuesday and Wednesday, September 24 and 25. The full Qualifiers schedule is available HERE.
What are the Qualifiers pairings?
Zabiny Brno (CZE) vs TARR KSC Szekszard (HUN)
Zabiny Brno have had their moments in EuroCup Women with some big results in recent seasons and now the Czech club are chasing higher ambitions. Their frontcourt will be very interesting with both Stephanie Kostowicz and Elissa Cunane able to put up big numbers, while Czechia rising star Emma Cechova is someone to watch closely.
TARR KSC Szekszard have featured in EuroLeague Women previously and are looking to return after a year's absence. They will look to Finnish star Sara Bejedi to lead their campaign, along with Marena Whittle who excelled in EuroCup Women last year. While this tie has some unpredictable elements, it might yet prove to the closest and most nail-biting.
CSM Constanta (ROU) vs Casademont Zaragoza (ESP)
Romanian champions CSM Constanta are chasing their first ever EuroLeague Women Regular Season slot and they will head into the tie with their Spanish opponents as huge underdogs. Casademont Zaragoza had an incredible first ever season in the competition last year and backed by huge crowds, they will be confident of making it to the Regular Season. There are key returnees from 2023-24 such as Tanaya Atkinson and Mariona Ortiz, while newcomers include Stephanie Mawuli, Ellen Nystrom and Markeisha Gatling.
Besiktas JK (TUR) vs Basket Landes (FRA)
The hugely ambitious Besiktas made the 2024 EuroCup Women Final but must play well to beat a seasoned EuroLeague Women club like Basket Landes. Without a string of key performers available for this tie, much will hinge on the influence and impact of new arrival and Great Britain star Holly Winterburn. She will team up with Mihaela Lazic in the backcourt, while Khaalia Hillsman will work the paint. Basket Landes have been regular competitors in EuroLeague Women during recent times and will probably go into this one as slight favorites since they have a relatively full roster to call upon. Not least, the likes of Germany forward Luisa Geiselsoder returning and some new faces such as Destiny Slocum and Leila Lacan. The former starred with Gyor last season and Lacan played for France at Paris 2024 and picked up an Olympic silver medal.
History: How do Qualifiers teams fare in the Regular Season?
DVTK HUN-Therm made history when making the post-season for the first time last year. In only their second campaign, they landed in the Quarter-Finals and almost made it their maiden Final Four.
Cheered on by some great support in Miskolc inside their impressive arena, they were one of the big stories of 2023-24, helped by a stunning start to the season. Across the last five years, three clubs from the Qualifiers have made the Quarter-Finals, In addition to 2023-24 when DVTK HUN-Therm completed the feat, Beretta Famila Schio reached the last eight in the 2021-22 campaign, with Spar Girona doing the same in 2020-21.
What happens to clubs who don't qualify for EuroLeague Women?
The clubs who don't manage to punch a ticket to the EuroLeague Women Regular Season will instead be placed into the EuroCup Women Regular Season.
Last year, London Lions made history as they bounced back from missing out on EuroLeague Women in the Qualifiers to ride their way to EuroCup Women silverware. The draw for this competition can be found HERE with teams already provisionally placed.
Where can I follow the games?
Fans will be able to follow all of the games in the Qualifiers via the official website with games to be streamed live on the EuroLeague Women YouTube channel.
Don't forget to follow EuroLeague Women on Facebook, Instagram and X to stay up to date and join in on the action using #EuroLeagueWomen. FIBA