How to Follow the Euro Basketball League: A Complete Guide for New Fans
2025-11-16 09:00
As a longtime basketball enthusiast who's followed European basketball for over a decade, I've got to say this new Euro Basketball League format has completely transformed how we experience the game. I remember the days when following European basketball meant navigating through confusing tournament structures and inconsistent scheduling - but this season's revolutionary changes have made everything so much more accessible for newcomers. The league's decision to implement this double-round elimination format with 10 teams has created what I consider the most exciting basketball competition outside the NBA.
When I first heard about the new system, I'll admit I was skeptical. Change can be difficult in sports, especially when you're used to certain traditions. But having watched the first few rounds of matches, I'm completely converted. The beauty of this format lies in its mathematical elegance - each team plays 13 preliminary games, facing teams in their own group twice and crossing over to play teams from the other pool once. This creates exactly the right balance between regional rivalries and cross-continental matchups. From my perspective as someone who analyzes sports structures professionally, this is genius scheduling that ensures every game matters while giving fans a diverse viewing experience.
What really excites me about this system is how it eliminates the possibility of teams coasting through the early stages. In the old format, I noticed that some clubs would essentially secure their advancement early and then rest key players in remaining matches. Now, with the double-round elimination structure, every single game carries weight toward that final elimination round. I've calculated that teams need to win at least 8 of their 13 preliminary games to feel reasonably secure about advancing, though this can vary depending on how other teams in their group perform. The pressure is constant, and as a fan, that makes for incredibly compelling basketball week after week.
Streaming these games has become part of my weekly ritual, and I've found that the scheduling works beautifully for viewers across different time zones. Since there are 10 teams divided into two groups of five, the matchups create natural storylines that develop throughout the season. I particularly enjoy watching how teams adjust their strategies when facing opponents for the second time - the coaching adjustments become much more apparent than in single-encounter formats. From my experience following various sports leagues worldwide, this level of strategic depth is rare and makes the Euro Basketball League uniquely satisfying for dedicated fans.
The economic implications of this format are worth noting too. Having 13 guaranteed preliminary games per team creates stable broadcasting packages and more predictable revenue streams. I've spoken with several club executives who confirm that this structure has helped with budget planning and player acquisition. Personally, I appreciate that this stability translates into better production values for broadcasts - the camera work has improved dramatically this season, and the commentary teams seem better prepared because they're following consistent team narratives throughout the competition.
What many new fans might not realize is how this format benefits player development. Young athletes get multiple opportunities to face the same opponents, allowing them to learn and adjust in ways that weren't possible under previous systems. I've tracked several rising stars this season, and watching their growth from the first matchup against a particular team to the rematch has been one of the most rewarding aspects of following the league this year. The format essentially creates built-in redemption opportunities, which makes for great drama and accelerates player development.
From a pure entertainment standpoint, the double-round elimination creates natural rivalry intensification. There's nothing quite like watching two teams face off for the second time after a particularly contentious first match. The tensions carry over, the strategic adjustments become more sophisticated, and the players develop genuine animosities that elevate the competition. I've noticed that second-round matchups consistently deliver higher-quality basketball with more emotional intensity - exactly what you want as a viewer settling in to watch a game.
The global appeal of this format can't be overstated either. With teams representing different European basketball traditions and styles, the cross-pool matchups provide fascinating cultural clashes on the court. I'm particularly drawn to games between Spanish and Turkish teams, as their contrasting approaches to the game create beautiful basketball chaos. The fact that each team only plays cross-pool opponents once adds special significance to these international showdowns - there's no second chance, which raises the stakes considerably.
As we approach the elimination rounds, I'm already planning my viewing schedule around what promises to be an incredible climax to the season. The format ensures that the best teams will advance while maintaining suspense until the final preliminary games. For newcomers to European basketball, this is absolutely the best time to start following the league. The structure is intuitive enough to understand quickly yet sophisticated enough to maintain long-term interest. Having followed basketball across multiple continents for twenty years, I can confidently say that the Euro Basketball League has crafted what might be the perfect tournament format for the modern sports landscape. The proof, as they say, is in the viewing - and this season has delivered some of the most memorable basketball moments I've witnessed in recent years.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
