Which European Cups for French Clubs in 2026-2027?

The 2025-2026 season is not yet fully over, and French clubs are already preparing for their next European campaign. Between EuroLeague, EuroCup, the Basketball Champions League (BCL) and the lesser-known FIBA Europe Cup, the options are plentiful.

Three French representatives expected in EuroLeague… in principle

As this season, France should have three representatives in the most prestigious continental competition.

ASVEL has finally chosen to continue in EuroLeague after several months of uncertainty. The Villeurbanne club, with a much larger budget, will embark on another European campaign.

Paris Basketball, which earned its place through its EuroCup title in 2024 before retaining it through its EuroLeague performances this season, is also expected to take part.

Finally, AS Monaco remains in a more uncertain situation. The Principality club is still working on its financial future and has not yet officially presented a takeover plan. Nevertheless, LNB president Philippe Ausseur recently mentioned a takeover project with a budget that would remain above 30 million euros. This could allow the Roca Team to retain its status among the European elite, even as competition for licenses and invitations intensifies with the emergence of ambitious new projects, notably in Greece (Aris Thessaloniki) or Israel (Hapoel Jerusalem).

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June 2, 2026

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JL Bourg stays loyal to EuroCup

EuroCup champions, Bourg-en-Bresse technically had the option to join EuroLeague. However, the club chose to remain in the second-tier European competition.

A decision consistent with their current resources. JL Bourg should be joined by two other French clubs in an EuroCup set to adopt a new format with more participants. SIG Strasbourg is among the selected candidates, as is Le Mans Sarthe Basket. In recent years, both clubs have competed in the BCL. They hope to attract better player profiles and, above all, host more home games by switching to EuroCup.

Cholet and Nanterre favor the BCL

Despite these two departures, the Basketball Champions League should once again welcome several French clubs.

Playoff semifinalists, Nanterre 92 have already made their choice. When asked, the Paris-region club made no secret of their preference for the FIBA-organized competition. The Nanterre management has no desire to host more home games in a greater Paris area where midweek ticketing rarely sells well. The sporting level is also considered very attractive by the Hauts-de-Seine club, with many Spanish teams regularly participating.

Cholet Basket has also positioned itself to join the BCL. It must be said that EuroCup requires a greater financial commitment, particularly in terms of travel and roster depth.

A FIBA Europe Cup expanded to 40 clubs

The other development concerns the FIBA Europe Cup. The fourth-tier continental competition will expand to 40 teams, opening up new opportunities.

Élan Chalon and SLUC Nancy, finishing ninth and tenth respectively in the Betclic ELITE regular season, have already been contacted to gauge their interest in a potential participation.

Both clubs are open to the idea. Chalon appears interested while Nancy is still deliberating.

If some clubs were to decline the invitation, FIBA Europe could broaden its search further, with the next clubs in the standings being JDA Dijon (11th), Boulazac Basket Dordogne (12th) and Limoges CSP (13th).

In total, France could field around ten representatives on the continental stage next season.