EuroLeague Women

From Hoopedia

EuroLeague Women (officially "FIBA EuroLeague Women") is the highest professional basketball league in Europe for women’s clubs. Unlike the men's Euroleague, the competition is entirely organized by FIBA Europe.

History

In September 1958, FIBA decided to start a new competition for women's clubs. The European Cup for Women's Champion Clubs started later that year and 10 teams participated in the very first competition. In 1996 the competition was renamed as the EuroLeague Women.

EuroLeague Women Format

The Euroleague is currently contested in four phases.

In the Qualifying Round 18 teams are divided into three groups. The teams play a home-and-home double round-robin. The five teams in each group advance to the next round, along with the remaining sixth-place team with the best record.

All teams are seeded, 1-16. In the Eighth-Final Play-Offs teams play a best-of-three series, with the winners advancing to the next round.

The Quarter-Final Play-Offs are a best-of three series, with the winners advancing to the Final Four. The Final Four is a one-game play-off, with semi-final winners meeting for the championship, while the losers play for third place.