Fenerbahçe Opet captured its first-ever Women’s EuroLeague championship on Sunday night, defeating fellow Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray Çağdaş Faktöring 74–67 in a thrilling final held at the Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul. The victory marked not only a historic milestone for the club but also the first time two Turkish teams have faced off in the EuroLeague Women’s final, turning the night into a city-wide celebration of Turkish basketball excellence.
The game, played before a passionate crowd of over 12,000 fans, lived up to its billing as a true derby — intense, physical, and emotionally charged from tip-off. Fenerbahçe, led by MVP-caliber performances from American guard Chelsea Gray and Turkish international İlayda Güldüren, seized control in the third quarter after a tightly contested first half. Gray finished with 22 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, even as Güldüren contributed 18 points and crucial defensive stops down the stretch.
Galatasaray, appearing in its second EuroLeague final in three years, fought valiantly. Serbian star Yvonne Anderson scored 21 points, and Brazilian forward Damiris Dantas added 16, but turnovers in the final period — 12 total for the game — proved costly. Fenerbahçe forced 18 Galatasaray turnovers converting them into 22 points, a margin that ultimately decided the outcome.
“This is for every girl in Turkey who dreams of playing basketball at the highest level,” said Fenerbahçe head coach Zoran Višić after the game, his voice thick with emotion. “We didn’t just win a trophy tonight — we showed what Turkish women’s basketball can be when we believe in each other.” Višić, in his second season with the club, became the first coach to guide Fenerbahçe Opet to a EuroLeague title.
The path to the final was nothing short of remarkable. Fenerbahçe navigated a tough EuroLeague season, overcoming injuries to key players and defeating reigning champions Fenerbahçe’s historic rivals in the semifinals — UMMC Ekaterinburg of Russia — in a grueling three-game series. That victory, secured on the road in Siberia, was widely regarded as the turning point of their campaign.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, relied on a blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy. Anderson, a former WNBA All-Star, carried the scoring load throughout the playoffs, while Dantas provided consistent inside presence. Their semifinal win over Valencia Basket highlighted their resilience, overcoming a 15-point deficit in Game 2 to advance.
The final itself unfolded in acts. After a slow start, Fenerbahçe found its rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring Galatasaray 22–15 to take a slim halftime lead. The third quarter belonged to the hosts: a 10–0 run midway through the period, fueled by Gray’s playmaking and Güldüren’s three-point shooting, stretched the lead to 12 points. Galatasaray responded in the fourth, cutting the deficit to four with under three minutes left, but consecutive free throws by Gray and a steal-and-layup by Güldüren sealed the win.
Statistically, Fenerbahçe shot 48% from the field compared to Galatasaray’s 41%, and dominated the rebounding battle 42–34. Güldüren, a 23-year-old product of Fenerbahçe’s youth system, became the youngest Turkish player to score in double figures in a EuroLeague final since 2010.
The win adds a significant chapter to Fenerbahçe’s growing legacy in European basketball. While the men’s team has long been a EuroLeague contender, the women’s program has steadily risen over the past decade, investing in coaching, facilities, and player development. This title validates that long-term strategy and positions Fenerbahçe Opet as a new powerhouse in continental women’s basketball.
For Turkish sports fans, the night was more than a championship — it was a cultural moment. Streets across Istanbul filled with supporters waving flags, honking horns, and chanting club anthems well into the early hours. The derby atmosphere extended beyond the arena, with watch parties in Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, and Şişli drawing thousands.
Looking ahead, both teams now turn their focus to the upcoming Turkish Women’s Basketball League (TKBL) playoffs, where they are expected to meet again in the semifinals. Fenerbahçe Opet will also begin preparations for defending its EuroLeague crown next season, a task made more challenging by the likelihood of increased targeting from rivals across Europe.
As the confetti fell and the players embraced at center court, one thing was clear: Turkish women’s basketball had arrived on the biggest stage — and it was ready to stay.
For continued coverage of the EuroLeague Women, TKBL playoffs, and exclusive interviews with Fenerbahçe Opet and Galatasaray players, stay tuned to Archysport. Share your thoughts on the final in the comments below — what moment defined the game for you?
