Wonderleague: 12 Clubs Maintained for the 2026-27 Season
Despite the desire of several club presidents to expand the elite championship to 14 teams to boost home revenues, the federation has vetoed the proposal. Audrey Lacroix, president of Basket Landes, confirmed this decision, explaining the reasons.
She cited the budgetary difficulties faced by many clubs, the insufficient structure of Ligue 2, and the calendar challenges that such an expansion would create.
However, changes are planned for the playoffs, which will adopt a best-of-three format, including for the final. The first game will be hosted by the lower-ranked team, with subsequent games (and the decisive one) held at the higher-ranked team's venue, thus reversing the usual practice. Additionally, the 2026-27 season will extend until the end of May, meaning it will proceed without all WNBA players.
Ms. Lacroix justified this playoff format modification by stating, "Some complained that the home-and-away format was not fair because it did not favor the higher-ranked teams in the championship. We must admit that this is true."
Fresh materials — Sports News
Pauline Astier Signs with the New York Liberty
The New York Liberty have secured a promising young talent in Pauline Astier, who at just 24 years old, embodies the club's strategy of acquiring skilled players ready to make an immediate impact and grow into cornerstone players within the league. "Pauline Astier is precisely the type of
Marine Johannès, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert Reach Euroleague Final
Fenerbahçe secured their spot in the Euroleague final with a decisive 76-59 victory over Spar Girona, marking their fourth final appearance in five editions. After a slow start, the Turkish team found their offensive rhythm before halftime, establishing a double-digit lead with a 16-5 run that
EuroLeague to Remain 20 Teams Next Season
The EuroLeague basketball championship will continue with its established 20-team structure for the upcoming season. The competition will follow a familiar round-robin format, with each team playing 38 games before advancing to the playoffs. This anticipated decision comes as the league's chief, C
Lauri Markkanen to Play Against France in July
Finnish basketball player Lauri Markkanen has confirmed his participation in upcoming international matches, including a game against France in July. Markkanen, who had a limited NBA season with the Utah Jazz due to a hip injury, sees these games as a crucial opportunity to regain his form and rh
NBA: Darko Rajaković Becomes First European Coach in Playoffs
"So many players, so many coaches from the former Yugoslavia, and especially from Serbia, made this journey possible for me. Without all these successes in the national team, in clubs, and without the individual successes of players and then coaches, I would never have reached where I am," com
Adrian Nelson Renews Contract with JL Bourg After Injury Layoff
Adrian Nelson, who joined JL Bourg in the summer of 2024 from Bamberg, Germany, will continue with the team for the upcoming season. Despite being sidelined for the entire 2025-2026 season due to injury, Nelson showed promise in the 2024-2025 season, averaging 9.4 points and 4.7 rebounds. The