As autumn leaves begin to fall, a different kind of intensity is rising across Italy. The Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) — Italy`s premier basketball league — is set to tip off its 2025/26 season, promising another chapter of thrilling matchups, strategic battles, and unpredictable outcomes. Or, at least, that`s the hope for everyone not clad in the jerseys of Milan or Bologna.
Last season culminated in a dramatic showdown at PalaLeonessa in Brescia, where Virtus Segafredo Bologna hoisted the coveted Scudetto trophy after a decisive Game 3 victory against Germani Brescia. That memory is still fresh, but the slate has been wiped clean, and teams across the peninsula have spent their summer orchestrating maneuvers to claim basketball supremacy.
The Undisputed Frontrunners: Bologna and Milano
The murmurs from the pre-season camps have solidified into a resounding chorus: for the 2025/26 campaign, Virtus Segafredo Bologna and EA7 Emporio Armani Olimpia Milano remain the colossal favorites for the championship title. This isn`t exactly groundbreaking news; predicting these two giants to contend is akin to forecasting rain in Seattle. Yet, the paths they`ve taken to maintain their dominance are subtly distinct.
Virtus Bologna: Champions Reimagined
The reigning champions, Virtus Bologna, arrive at the starting blocks having undergone a significant overhaul. In the fluid world of European basketball, where rosters can pivot faster than a point guard on a fast break, Bologna has embraced change. Despite numerous departures and arrivals, the consensus is that the team has emerged from the summer transfer window not just intact, but demonstrably strengthened. Their strategy appears to be a calculated evolution: to adapt, to integrate new talent seamlessly, and to ensure their championship pedigree continues to shine. Opponents will find a new puzzle to solve, but the underlying ambition remains terrifyingly familiar.
Olimpia Milano: The Quest for Redemption
Meanwhile, in the fashion capital, Olimpia Milano is stewing with a burning desire for redemption. After what many would politely describe as a “disappointing” prior season – a rarity for a club of their stature – Milano has gone about its business with a quiet, yet firm, resolve. They`ve significantly deepened their roster, adding layers of talent and experience, not just for the domestic league but for their European aspirations as well. This isn`t merely about numerical strength; it`s about building resilience, insulating themselves against injuries, and signaling a clear, emphatic message to the rest of the league: last season was an anomaly, and the Milanese juggernaut is back with a vengeance.
The Ambitious Challengers and Dark Horses
While the top two loom large, the beauty of the Lega Basket Serie A lies in the unpredictable dance of its challengers. Several teams have made it clear they are not content to merely make up the numbers.
- Umana Reyer Venezia enters the season with notable ambition. Known for their tactical discipline and passionate fanbase, Venezia aims to disrupt the established hierarchy and cement their place among the elite playoff contenders.
- Germani Brescia, having pushed Bologna to their limits in the last final, is eager to prove that their deep run was no fluke. They will be looking to confirm their status as a top-tier threat, relying on consistency and competitive fire.
- Trapani, another team with playoff aspirations, will be working to solidify their position in the upper half of the standings, seeking to build on previous successes and secure another post-season berth.
- The likes of Pallacanestro Trieste are often touted as potential “surprise” teams. Their ability to deliver gritty performances and upset more fancied opponents could see them become a dark horse in the race.
- The return of Cantù to Serie A brings with it a wave of excitement and historical gravitas. A name synonymous with Italian basketball, Cantù arrives with clear ambitions to not just survive, but to thrive and prove they belong back among the league`s heavyweights.
- And for teams like Udine, the objectives might be more grounded but no less critical: securing a tranquil salvation, avoiding the arduous relegation battle, and establishing a stable foundation for future growth. Every victory, especially against direct rivals, will be monumental.
The 2025/26 Lega Basket Serie A season promises to be a captivating spectacle. From the strategic brilliance of the favorites to the determined grit of the underdogs, every game will contribute to a larger narrative of triumph and challenge. As the ball is tipped for the first time, fans can brace themselves for a season brimming with intense rivalries, unexpected heroes, and perhaps, just perhaps, a few genuine surprises that defy even the most educated predictions. The battle for the Scudetto has begun, and Italy is ready.
Murray Blackwood 
Finlay Hurst