Ukraine's Champion Dnipro Turns Down European Cup Over New Tournament Format

BC Dnipro Declines Participation in the FIBA Europe Cup

According to Главком: BC Dnipro, the 2025/26 Ukrainian Super League champion, has decided to withdraw from the 2026/27 FIBA Europe Cup. This move stems from a change in the tournament's structure, which expands group sizes from four to six teams. The new setup increases the number of away games abroad, a key factor behind the club's decision.

As the reigning Ukrainian champion, Dnipro had earned direct entry into the FIBA Europe Cup group stage without needing to qualify. However, the revised format introduced fresh challenges. "This season, as Ukraine's champion, BC Dnipro secured a direct spot in the FIBA Europe Cup group stage, bypassing qualification. But the organizers have changed the tournament format this season. Groups now have six teams instead of four, meaning more matches and more travel," club representatives explained.

Challenges Posed by the New Format

Over the past three seasons, the team has competed in the FIBA Europe Cup. Last season, through an agreement with FIBA, Dnipro arranged to play both home and away matches against a single opponent at that opponent's venue. This approach allowed the group stage to finish in four weeks while providing valuable international exposure. "Last season, thanks to a deal with FIBA, we could play both away and home games against one opponent at their court. That format let us wrap up the group stage in four weeks, gain priceless international experience, and return to Ukraine for the national championship," the club's press office noted.

Now, under the new requirements, the club faced a tough choice. "This season, the number of games has grown, and there simply isn't enough time to fully balance European cup matches with the Ukrainian championship. That's why we had to make this difficult but necessary decision," Dnipro representatives added. Discussions with the Basketball Federation of Ukraine yielded no results, and the club couldn't find a compromise to resolve the situation.

Basketball has its own unique demands, and with the new format, the club believes such a travel schedule wouldn't benefit players or performance. "We talked with the Basketball Federation of Ukraine and explored possible solutions together. Last season, we managed to find a compromise and put it into action. This time, despite everyone's willingness, it's practically impossible to do so," the club stated.

Notably, the national championship season starts in October, while the FIBA Europe Cup begins in late September. "I hope that next season things will change, and the Ukrainian champion can represent our country in the FIBA Europe Cup without major hurdles. To make that happen, we all must keep supporting our soldiers in the fight against the enemy. Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Together to victory!" the Dnipro press office concluded.

BC Dnipro's withdrawal from the FIBA Europe Cup highlights the difficulties Ukrainian sports teams face amid shifting international schedules and growing demands. In Dnipro's case, the new format's increased travel requirements became a critical factor, forcing the club to step back. This decision could impact the team's development and its ability to gain the international experience crucial for raising their game. The club hopes for positive changes in the future, allowing them to once again represent Ukraine on the European basketball stage.