The 2026/27 EuroLeague Kicks Off: Dates, Times, and Top Matches of the First Round

The wait is over. The 2026/27 EuroLeague is officially underway. While we wait to see if the arrival of NBA Europe will change the tournament’s rules next year, it’s time to enjoy a new chapter of the best in European basketball.

The action kicks off on Thursday, September 24, with plenty of must-see games. It starts at 6:00 p.m. with Dubai vs. Real Madrid—likely one of the most intriguing showdowns of the first round of the regular season—and Hapoel Tel Aviv vs. Bayern Munich. At 8:00 p.m., Red Star faces Zalgiris. Panathinaikos (one of the favorites to win the title) hosts Paris at 8:15 p.m.

Rounding out Thursday’s schedule are the games ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Maccabi, Baskonia vs. Olympiacos, and Barcelona vs. Efes, all starting at 8:30 p.m.

Friday, September 25, also features a packed schedule. It kicks off with Besiktas vs. Valencia (7:00 p.m.). There’s great anticipation for the two Italian teams competing in the EuroLeague: Armani Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna. Both will make their debuts on Friday, September 25. Virtus Bologna will be the first to take the court, facing Fenerbahçe on the road (tip-off at 7:45 p.m., live on Sky Sport). Shortly after, at 8:45 p.m., it will be Armani Olimpia Milano’s turn, also on the road, against Partizan Belgrade, featuring former V Nere players Luca Vildoza and Alessandro Pajola (also live on Sky Sport).