EuroLeague 2026-26 Power Rankings: Panathinaikos Lead, Olympiacos Worry Over Home Court, Dubai Splash Cash

The EuroLeague 2026-26 season is entering its final preparation stage before the regular season begins. But before actual results arrive, experts still need a way to position the teams. Eurohoops has published the first and only Power Rankings of the season, ranking 20 teams based on theoretical strength, in other words, expectations before the ball is thrown.

Preseason games only reflect a small part of each team’s condition. The EuroLeague season is a long marathon, and once the regular season starts, the real standings will replace the Power Rankings because they are a more objective measure. The competition format may change in 2027, when the EuroLeague is expected to split into two geographical regions, but for the current season, the Power Rankings remain an important reference for fans.

1. Panathinaikos

Despite entering the season with a long injury list during preseason, Panathinaikos remain at No. 1. They have the most expensive roster of the season, a legendary head coach and a clear goal of returning to the top. In a league where the talent gap is closing, financial power and roster depth are huge advantages.

Panathinaikos are not simply the strongest team on paper; they showed ambition throughout the transfer market. The preseason injuries are a concern, but Eurohoops believes that with their current resources, the Athens club is the definition of power. That is why they are ranked above defending champion Olympiacos.

1. Olympiacos

Theoretically, the defending champions should start at the top. Olympiacos kept the same core and improved it with important additions such as Montero. However, their biggest issue is not personnel but home court. Their home arena SEF will not be ready until near the playoffs. The players will train at SEF but play home games at AEK’s arena.

This creates a paradox: the strongest team on paper lacks the most important home-court advantage. Playing in an unfamiliar arena for months can affect rhythm, travel schedule and comfort. Therefore, Olympiacos are ranked behind Panathinaikos, though still among the top title contenders.

1. Real Madrid

Real Madrid won the Super Cup and turned a new page under head coach Pedro Martinez. They also have extra motivation after losing a final in Athens. However, at this moment, Panathinaikos still appear at least one step ahead. Real Madrid have great history, but this season they must prove that winning the Super Cup was not a coincidence.

1. Fenerbahce

Eurohoops admitted it is hard to imagine Fenerbahce not among the top title contenders. However, it is also hard to rank them above Panathinaikos, Olympiacos or Real Madrid. That does not mean Fenerbahce cannot finish above all of them. European basketball always has surprises, and the Istanbul club has enough quality to make a leap. But to do that, they need a stable season from start to finish.

1. Dubai

After a somewhat shy first season, Dubai did not hesitate to show their financial power. They built a top-level roster with the goal of at least reaching the Final Four. However, the team’s biggest issue is traveling across Europe. Spending most of the time on planes will affect fitness and game rhythm.

Also, if tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, Dubai may have to play in Sarajevo again. This creates great instability despite having a strong roster on paper. Dubai will be one of the most interesting teams to follow this season.

1. Zalgiris Kaunas

In a league with many strong offensive teams, having a top center like Jonas Valanciunas makes a big difference. Zalgiris may not have the most impressive attack, but they are often involved in the playoff race. This season, the Lithuanian club are not just a pushover. They can surprise bigger teams, especially at home.

1. Hapoel Tel Aviv

Hapoel have a deep roster, and despite not playing in their real home arena, they reached the playoffs last season. That makes experts expect them to repeat the achievement. However, playing home games in Bulgaria is a huge disadvantage. In last season’s playoff series against Real Madrid, the home factor was decisive. Hapoel need to overcome adversity to maintain their position.

1. Crvena Zvezda

The Serbian team have a chance to reach the playoffs after participating in the play-in round last season. Head coach Ibon Navarro, who was successful in the Basketball Champions League, has a great opportunity to make a name in the EuroLeague. He has a fitting squad and the home-court advantage in Belgrade is significant. Crvena Zvezda will be a tough opponent for anyone.

1. Anadolu Efes

This is essentially Pablo Laso's first real season in Istanbul. Mike James will be the center of the offense. The combination of an experienced coach and a star who can create points is exciting. Anadolu Efes can aim for the playoffs, and if everything works well, they can go even further.

1. Valencia

Eurohoops admitted they learned a lesson last season and will not underestimate Valencia again. Despite many roster changes, Valencia remain a well-organized team and their coach knows how to run a collective style. T.J. Shorts is expected to replay his high-level performance from his Paris days. If he does, Valencia will be a strong contender for the playoffs.

1. Barcelona

While other teams strengthened heavily, Barcelona appear to have taken a step back this summer. They will still compete for a playoff spot, but there is no guarantee they will make it. The competition in the EuroLeague has never been tougher, and Barcelona need an almost perfect season to return to the top group.

1. Maccabi Tel Aviv

The same applies to Maccabi. They are expected to fight for the playoffs, but can they be sure? If they could play in Tel Aviv, the answer would probably be positive. But with home games in Belgrade, their chances become much weaker. The home-court factor in European basketball is crucial, and Maccabi are losing that edge.

1. Partizan Belgrade

Theoretically, Partizan have improved their roster. On paper, they have a squad capable of competing for the playoffs. But that is the story of recent years: Partizan are often rated highly before the season, then collapse due to injuries or other unpredictable factors. With so much bad luck, it is hard to trust them, even though they have the talent to do more.

1. Monaco

After a dramatic season last year, Monaco have a chance to become more stable and fight for more. However, given the current level of competition, they are not a playoff team. Monaco have excellent individuals, but to succeed in the EuroLeague, they need more than just a few explosive moments.

1. ASVEL

All eyes will be on ASVEL for Tony Parker’s first season as head coach. Parker is a French basketball legend, but coaching is a completely different challenge. The current ASVEL roster is not what Parker imagined at the beginning of summer. Even a playoff spot seems distant. ASVEL will be interesting, but they are unlikely to cause a major surprise.

1. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have a big name, but they are building something sustainable without spending too much money. Head coach Anton Gavel is a first-class tactician who can build a strong team even with limited resources. Bayern may not challenge for the playoffs this season, but they will be a difficult and well-organized opponent.

1. Paris Basketball

Paris think like Bayern. Their plan worked with Splitter on the bench and T.J. Shorts having an MVP-level season. However, this roster was plundered two summers ago, and Paris are trying to create another overachieving team, hoping everyone performs above expectations. This sounds ambitious, but Paris have done it before.

1. Besiktas

Theoretically, Besiktas could be ranked higher. They promise to be a competitive team. However, the EuroLeague is a completely different level compared to the EuroCup. If they do not overspend on big-name signings in their first season at the top level, things can become extremely difficult. The severity of the EuroLeague may prevent Besiktas from matching initial expectations.

1. Baskonia

Baskonia will have some flashy performances, but their main goal is to avoid finishing last. The level of competition is rising, and the Basque team no longer have the strength to maintain their former status. Richer clubs are moving ahead. Baskonia need to fight with intelligence and team spirit.

1. Virtus Bologna

On paper, Virtus probably have the weakest roster in the EuroLeague this season. Despite their historic name, they cannot deny that they are far behind the rest. Their most important task is to avoid becoming everyone’s punching bag. With the current squad, any win would be an achievement.

The Power Rankings picture for 2026-26 is only a starting point. Once the ball starts rolling, things can change quickly. The EuroLeague’s planned format change in 2027 will bring a different look, but for now, the race remains wide open. The lowest-ranked team may not finish at the bottom, and the top-ranked team still has to prove their value on the real court.