MUNICH (Germany) - The new EuroLeague Women season promises even more excitement, with the new competition format lying in wait and anticipation heightened by the recently completed draw.
What used to be two groups of eight in the Regular Season is now four groups of four teams each in the First Round. As we reflect on the results of the draw, is there a so-called Regular Season 'Group of Death' and if so, which is it?
You can cast your vote in the fan poll below to let us know!
Of course, the full makeup of each group will not be known until after the conclusion of the EuroLeague Women Qualifiers.
Still, even with some spots not yet known, here's a guide to each of the groups.
Group A
Longstanding EuroLeague Women competitors Perfumerias Avenida and Italian side Beretta Famila Schio have a rich tradition of fielding strong rosters. DVTK HUN-Therm Miskolc are a relative newcomer by comparison, but have had a huge impact for Hungarian basketball with their impressive venue, fan base and results. The last spot will go to either French side Basket Landes or the ambitious Turkish club, Besiktas who will compete in the Qualifiers.
Group B
CBK Mersin are the Turkish powerhouse who finished runners-up two years ago and will be big favorites to take pole position. Fans of famous French club Tango Bourges Basket will pack out Le Prado on their return to the competition, with Greek side Olympiacos also back after a short hiatus. The trio will be joined by either Hungarian's KSC Szekszard or Czech club Zabiny Brno who will fight in the Qualifiers to earn the right to be Group B underdogs.
Group C
Turkish juggernauts and back-to-back champions Fenerbahce will be ready to dominate Group C with another star-studded roster. They are joined by last season's surprise package Villeneuve d'Ascq LM of France who they faced in the title game. It could be an uphill battle for Polish returnees KGHM BC Polkowice - especially if 2023-24 rookie standouts Casademont Zaragoza of Spain live up to the billing and ease out CSM Constanta in the Qualifiers.
Group D
There are some giants in Group D and not least, legendary Czech side ZVVZ USK Praha. They are regular Final Four participants and likely tipped for top spot, but Valencia Basket Club of Spain are hugely ambitious and might challenge this assertion - backed by their huge supporter base. Italian outfit Umana Reyer Venezia and Hungarian side Uni Gyor might not be fancied to challenge for top spot but they are both still dangerous and quality teams.
FIBA