The Paris Basketball organization enters the 2026–2027 competitive cycle carrying the mantle of French national leadership in the EuroLeague, following the collapse of Monaco. Operating out of the Adidas Arena at Porte de la Chapelle in Paris, France, the club enters its third season at the highest tier of European club basketball under new leadership.
Stepping Into the EuroLeague Spotlight
Following a successful run that captured the Supercoupe de la LNB title with an 81-59 victory against Roanne, the team turns its focus directly toward continental play. Paris opens its EuroLeague campaign on Thursday away against Panathinaikos in Athens, Greece, with a scheduled tip-off at 20:15.
The fixture places the Parisian squad straight into a high-pressure environment against a storied opponent managed by veteran coach Željko Obradović. Guard Nadir Hifi noted the magnitude of the opening test, emphasizing the historic success Paris has enjoyed on that particular floor. Records show Paris previously secured wins at the Telekom Center in Athens during prior EuroLeague iterations, defeating the Greek side 101-98 on March 28, 2025, and 104-99 on February 26, 2026.
Roster Evolution and Tactical Continuity
The 2026–2027 roster features significant additions designed to address offensive limitations from previous campaigns. Most notably, the club added 33-year-old former Indiana T.J. Warren to bolster scoring and physical presence near the rim. Shooters like Tyson Etienne have also integrated into the rotation, demonstrating perimeter efficiency during early-season fixtures.
The coaching staff has transitioned under the direction of coach Maxime Lefèvre, supported by Pierric Poupet. Observers from opposing clubs, including Nanterre coach Julien Mahé and Roanne guard Antoine Diot, have remarked that the team’s foundational DNA—characterized by defensive ball pressure, rapid transition play, and aggressive offensive spacing established under former management—remains firmly intact.
Navigating a Demanding Double Schedule
The primary hurdle for Paris remains managing the grueling dual commitments of the domestic Betclic Élite and the continental EuroLeague. Hifi and teammate Léopold Cavalière both acknowledged that establishing internal team chemistry quickly will dictate early success. Following the opening match in Athens, Paris returns home for a crucial four-game stretch at the Adidas Arena between September 29 and October 14, hosting Partizan Belgrade, Kaunas, ASVEL, and Bologna.
As the club establishes its footprint as a major sporting entertainment option in northern Paris, maintaining squad depth through the winter months will prove decisive. The upcoming weeks of continental and domestic competition will clarify whether the revamped roster can sustain the lofty expectations set by its unexpected run to the EuroLeague playoffs in 2025.
Worth a look
