Panathinaikos AKTOR and Olympiacos have built incredible and super-powered rosters, terrifying the other 18 EuroLeague teams. The Greens did… whatever they wanted in the summer transfer market, signing any player they desired, and made waves in the European market—and beyond—with the additions of Yabusele, Francisco, Fall, Badio, and Bonga.
On the other hand, the Red and Whites had already anticipated the high demand for McIntyre and Montero, making sure to reach an agreement with them before summer and the off-season even officially arrived. Thus, both teams boast incredibly deep and star-studded rosters, which could very well find themselves in the Final Four championship game at the end of the season.
Two true giants, looking better than ever.
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) July 31, 2026
Here’s when @Paobcgr and @Olympiacos_BC go head to head this season 🤩 pic.twitter.com/JPVVxAaeFQ
However, we shouldn’t count out the rest of the competition. Just as the Greek teams are making strong moves, other EuroLeague clubs have also made significant signings that may not attract all the spotlight, but certainly contribute to the creation of equally formidable rosters. Below, we will look at some prime examples of teams that could easily stand as the main competitors to Panathinaikos and Olympiacos for the 2027 trophy.
Fenerbahce
A consistently strong squad. A team that, if only because of the man at the end of its bench (Saras Jasikevicius), cannot be overlooked or considered an afterthought. Fener has formed a terrifying backcourt with the acquisition of Shane Larkin and Trent Forrest, along with the retention of Wade Baldwin and Talen Horton-Tucker.
At the same time, we can’t say they are lagging behind in the frontcourt. They are stacked there too, featuring Will Clyburn, Shavon Shields, Braxton Key, Nicolo Melli, Chris Silva, Sertac Sanli, and Marcus Bingham. We are talking about another superpower, boasting quality role players as well as stars who can win games by stepping up in tough moments.
🥵 https://t.co/8lfrS8wiDK pic.twitter.com/j47v7sChlk
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) July 13, 2026
Anadolu Efes
We remain in Turkey for a team that may have been the biggest disappointment by far last season, yet continues to move aggressively in the market, making moves that are nothing short of exciting. We are talking about Pablo Laso’s Anadolu Efes, which has added some very strong names to its already formidable—on paper—roster.
Matthew Strazel and Mike James were two very resounding signings coming from Monaco, with their existing chemistry being their biggest weapon. Of course, there is also Dozier, Cordinier, and Loyd, while in the frontcourt, we see equally strong names. Dario Saric has returned to the team where he made his name in Europe and earned his ticket to the NBA, and together with Dessart, Kai Jones, Bruno Fernando, and Georgios Papagiannis, they make up an incredibly powerful frontline.
Of course, in between, there are also Collin Malcolm, Santi Yusta, and Ercan Osmani, forming one of the most unique and interesting forward lines in Europe. This is a squad that will either disappoint like last year or go all the way to lift the trophy—most likely—in Abu Dhabi.
Avrupa basketbolunun simge isimlerinden biri olan ve 2024 yılında EuroLeague MVP'si de seçilen Mike James ile 1+1 sezonluk sözleşme imzaladık.
— Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) July 11, 2026
Kariyeri boyunca pek çok lig ve kupa şampiyonluğu kazanmasının yanı sıra 2025 yılında "EuroLeague Tarihinin En İyi 25 Oyuncusu"… pic.twitter.com/fl9haJzBKX
Dubai
Money talks here, but still, we cannot overlook the superpower that the Emirati team has built. The list of top-tier players is quite long. McKinley Wright, Elie Okobo, Dzanan Musa, Dwayne Bacon, Jaron Blossomgame, Davis Bertans, Filip Petrusev, Mfiondu Kabengele… What more can we say!
Huge names and players who, above all, have size, can play defense, and possess undeniable offensive talent. No one can say that this team doesn’t have all the potential to go far and, by extension, claim what it deserves. Of course, we must not leave out the maestro Xavi Pascual, who will be directing a squad that will be anything but indifferent.
If you’re going to do it, do it big from day one. 😤
— Dubai Basketball (@dubaibasket) July 30, 2026
Barcelona. Real Madrid. Two European giants. One unforgettable start at Coca-Cola Arena. 🔥
🎟️ Secure your Season Tickets today, before public sales begin on 3 August: https://t.co/2GbtDuwSAB pic.twitter.com/cOA6pBIhER
Zalgiris
We have written a separate piece about the Lithuanians, and that’s because the moves they have made resemble a team that wants to lift the trophy. Saben Lee, Carsen Edwards, and Williams-Goss at the guard positions; Marius Grigonis, Sterling Brown, Sirvydis, Giedraitis, Ulanovas, and Sliva at the forward spots; Valanciunas, Akobundu-Ehiogu, and Tubelis at center…
And, of course, other tremendous role players. The physical play will be off the charts, while this year’s Zalgiris looks like a team that will finally draw our attention for its offensive talent as well. It only remains to be seen on the court, but the project can only be described as ambitious.
The Lithuanian lightning strikes in Kaunas.
— BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) July 15, 2026
All-time NBA Lithuanian top scorer Jonas Valanciunas signs a 2-year deal with Zalgiris! 💚⚡️ pic.twitter.com/tCgXItJFAh
