Basketball Champions League Schedule 2023‑24: What Fans Need to Know
The Basketball Champions League (BCL) is Europe’s premier club competition for top‑tier teams that are not part of the EuroLeague. With a growing fan base and a calendar that blends thrilling matchups, the 2023‑24 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent history. Below you’ll find the key dates, the structure of the tournament, and how to keep up with every game.
1. Qualification Rounds: The Gateway to the Regular Season
Before the regular season begins, clubs must earn a spot in the main draw through a series of qualification rounds. These matches are typically played in a knockout format, featuring two legs (home and away) that determine which teams advance. The 2023‑24 qualification rounds commenced in late August and concluded by early September.
- First Round: 18‑22 August – 5 teams play two‑legged ties.
- Second Round: 25‑29 August – winners from the first round join newly seeded clubs.
- Third Round: 9‑13 September – the final qualifiers for the regular season.
All qualification matches are streamed live on the BCL website and through partner broadcasters. Fans can watch the draw for each round to see which teams face each other and the order of the legs.
2. Regular Season Draw: The Main Event Begins
The draw for the 2023‑24 regular season was conducted on 12 September. Teams were divided into five groups of four, each playing a double‑round robin (home and away). This stage sets the stage for the top teams to advance to the playoffs.
- Group A: AEK BC, Rytas Vilnius, Fraport Skyliners, and another European side.
- Group B: CSKA Moscow, Valencia Basket, and two other clubs.
- Group C: FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and two additional teams.
- Group D: A set of mid‑tier clubs competing for a playoff spot.
- Group E: The final group featuring a mix of emerging and established teams.
Matches are scheduled from 19 September to 9 February, with each game taking place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The regular season is a grueling test of depth and consistency, and the top two teams from each group, along with the best two third‑place teams, advance to the playoffs.
3. Playoffs: The Road to the Final Four
Playoffs follow a best‑of‑three format. The first and second legs are played at the home venues of the higher seed, while the decisive third leg (if necessary) takes place at the lower seed’s court. The playoffs run from 15 February to 24 March.
Key matchups include:
- Aleksei Shirokov’s team vs. the reigning champions.
- Top scorers from the regular season facing off in a high‑stakes duel.
- Underdog clubs pushing the limits of their squads in a knockout environment.
4. Final Four Draw: The Climax of the Season
The Final Four draw is a highly anticipated event where the four remaining
