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Basketball is a recognized sport across the globe especially in Europe. Over the years, some teams in Europe have become famous for their dominance in the beautiful game. These teams have gone on to win various trophies, set records, smash long-standing records, and build a huge legacy.
Want to know the teams that are considered the cream of the crop among basketball teams in Europe, this piece discusses the top 10 best basketball teams in Europe currently.
Top 10 Best Basketball Teams in Europe Currently
- Real Madrid (Spain)
- Olympiacos (Greece)
- Monaco (France)
- Barcelona (Spain)
- Fenerbahce (Turkey)
- Maccabi Tel Aviv
- Panathinaikos (Greece)
- Partizan (Czech Republic)
- Baskonia (Spain)
- Zalgiris (Lithuania)
10. Zalgiris
Currently ranked in the number ten spot in the best basketball teams in Europe rankings is Zalgiris. The team is based in Lithuania and it is the most decorated team from the country and the Lithuanian basketball league.
With 24 trophies won, the club has grown popular for competing at the highest level. Zalgiris houses top basketball players in the Lithuanian league and has produced 15 players who played in the NBA.
2024 has been another successful year for Zalgiris with the team lifting the LFT/KMT cup as well as playing in the league finals. The team is currently led by Italian basketball coach Andrea Trinchieri.
9. Baskonia
Based in Spain, Baskonia has become a household name in the world of basketball. Founded in 1959, Baskonia is blessed with a rich history and this has continued to show forth in their quest for silverware every season.
The club plays in the Liga ACB and the Euro League, proving a hard nut to crack for every opposition team. Baskonia currently boasts four Spanish League and six Spanish Cup trophies.
Yet to win a Euro League title, Baskonia has finished as runners-up on two occasions and is likely to add this to their trophy collections.
8. Partizan
Partizan Belgrad is a basketball club based in Serbia. Ranked among the oldest basketball teams in Europe, Partizan has won it all domestically and in the Euro League.
The club as of 2024 has won 48 trophies and this includes 37 domestic titles. Partizan has one Euro League title to its name and has been able to compete against the big boys. Partizan are the most successful basketball club in Serbia and it’s not a coincidence they are ranked among the best in Europe.
Serbian professional basketball coach Zeljko Obradovic is currently the team’s head coach and he’s eager to win laurels.
7. Panathinaikos
Panathinaikos are currently the seventh-best basketball club in Europe. Founded 105 years ago, the club has been able to sustain its supremacy by competing at the highest level. The club continued its dominance in 2024 by winning the Euro League, their seventh title on the biggest stage.
Panathinaikos also boasts 40 Greek championship titles, 20 Greek Cups, 1 international cup, and 1 Greek Super Cup. Speaking of slowing down on their laurels, Panathinaikos have not shown signs of complacency.
The team has been strengthened with the arrivals of top stars like Kostas Sloukas, Luca Vildoza, Juancho Hernangomez, and Kendrick Nunn.
6. Maccabi Tel Aviv
A basketball club based in Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv was founded in 1932 and has gone on to become a standard for other basketball clubs.
Maccabi Tel Aviv over the years has played at the highest level winning various trophies including 6 EuroLeague. The basketball club in its rich history has won 115 trophies and has not shown any sign of complacency.
Unsurprisingly, Maccabi has gone on to play 18 times against NBA teams, a record yet to be broken in 2024. In the 2023-24 season, Maccabi won the Israeli league as well as reaching the finals of the Israeli Cup and League Cup.
5. Fenerbahce
Despite having just one EuroLeague title to its name, Fenerbahce remains one of the best basketball clubs in Europe.
Currently, the Turkish-based club has not shown any signs of slowing down and has continued to play at the highest level. Fenerbahce won the 2023/24 Turkish league and cemented their dominance with another Turkish Cup victory.
Fenerbahce are the most successful Turkish club ever and this looks like a record they will hold for a long time. The team is currently led by Lithuanian professional basketball coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, during his playing days, he was considered one of the best Lithuanian and European point guards.
4. Barcelona
Part of the Barcelona multi-sport team and based in Spain, Barcelona is ranked among the best basketball clubs in Europe.
Founded in 1926 making it the oldest basketball club in Spain, Barcelona has cemented its name among the best with 60 trophies.
2024 saw Barcelona reach the quarterfinals of EuroLeague and they will be eager to reach the summit next year.
Just like their football teams, Barcelona has built a strong rivalry with Real Madrid on the court, both clubs boast of top players who can influence the scoreline. Barcelona’s current coach is Joan Penarroya Rodtigue with Alex Abrines named as team captain.
3. Monaco
A basketball club based in France, Monaco has continued to grow stronger and better in the past few seasons. 2023 saw Monaco win its first major trophy when they defeated ASVEL in the final of the French Basketball Cup. That victory was a taste of good things to come.
Monaco went on to reach the semifinals of the EuroLeague in 2023 and though they lost, they were able to show their class on the biggest stage. The club plays its home game at Salle Gaston Médecin which can house 5000 supporters on matchdays.
Serbian professional basketball coach, Sasa Obradović is currently the team’s head coach.
2. Olympiacos
Olympiacos are currently one of the most successful basketball clubs in Europe with three EuroLeague titles to their name. The Greece-based club has become prominent for giving youngsters the chance to play at the highest level with established players also seeking a move to the club.
The 2022/23 season saw Olympiacos reach the EuroLeague final where they were defeated by Real Madrid. Victorious in the 2023/24 Greek Basketball Cup, Olympiacos getting stronger, bigger, and better.
Greek coach Georgios Bartzokas currently manages the team and has been tasked with bringing more laurels to the city and its fans.
1. Real Madrid
Occupying the top spot on the list of best basketball clubs in Europe is Real Madrid. Also popular for its football team, the Spanish-based club has become a dominant force in the world of basketball.
Founded in 1931, Real Madrid is the winner of 37 league titles, 29 Spanish Cups, and 10 Spanish Super Cups. The 2022/23 basketball season saw Madrid win their 11th EuroLeague title, however, they failed to retain the title in the 2023/24 season, losing out to Panathinaikos.
Real Madrid is currently the best basketball team in Europe and has ensured their rivalries with Barcelona continue on the court.
FAQs
Which Country In Europe Is Best At Basketball?
Spain is currently the best basketball-playing nation in Europe.
The club houses top basketball clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid who have shone brightly at the highest level.
Who is the most successful basketball team in Europe?
Real Madrid are currently the most successful basketball team in Europe.
The Spanish basketball club has 11 EuroLeague titles to its name, the most in the competition’s history.
What is the best basketball competition in Europe?
EuroLeague is the best basketball competition in Europe. As of 2024, 18 teams compete in this competition.
Is European basketball harder than the NBA?
No. The NBA is regarded as the biggest and most difficult basketball league in the world.
The likes of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Steve Curry made a name for themselves in the NBA.
Conclusion
The NBA may be getting all the attention when it comes to basketball globally. However, Europe has some very fine teams. I dare say, some are even better. That does it on our top 10 best basketball teams in Europe currently.
