EuroLeague 2026-27 Preseason Power Rankings: Panathinaikos and Olympiacos Set for Historic Clash as Dubai Rises

The EuroLeague is gearing up for a 2026-27 season that promises to be one of the most fiercely contested in its history. Following a summer of seismic coaching shifts and blockbuster player movement, the official mid-summer power rankings have set the stage for a dramatic campaign across the continent.[1]

The top of the rankings is dominated by a familiar Greek rivalry, but with a historic twist. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens has claimed the number one spot, fueled by the monumental return of legendary head coach Željko Obradović after a 14-year absence.[1][5][7]

Obradović, who previously led Panathinaikos to five EuroLeague titles between 1999 and 2012, signed a record-breaking three-year, €12 million net contract in June. The "Obradović effect" immediately transformed the club's offseason, attracting top-tier talent like Sylvain Francisco, Guerschon Yabusele, and Isaac Bonga to Athens as the Greens look to reclaim continental glory.[1][2][5][7]

Right behind them at number two are their arch-rivals and defending champions, Olympiacos Piraeus. Head coach Georgios Bartzokas finally guided the Reds back to the EuroLeague summit in May 2026, ending a 13-year drought. With their core rotation intact and the addition of dynamic guard Jean Montero, Olympiacos remains a formidable title favorite.[1][2]

The power rankings also highlight the continued strength of Turkish basketball. Fenerbahce Istanbul sits at number three, with head coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius integrating nine new players into a versatile roster built for a deep playoff run.[1][2]

Meanwhile, Anadolu Efes Istanbul—ranked seventh—made the splashiest player signing of the summer. The club secured all-time EuroLeague leading scorer Mike James on a lucrative 1+1 deal, prying the 2024 MVP away from AS Monaco.[1][3][6]

James, who boasts a record 5,916 career points and the highest Performance Index Rating in league history, reportedly weighed NBA interest before choosing Efes. His arrival in Istanbul reunites him with former Monaco teammates Matthew Strazel and Jordan Loyd, giving coach Pablo Laso one of the most potent backcourts in Europe.[1][3][6]

Beyond the traditional powerhouses, the rapid ascent of Dubai Basketball has captivated the continent. Ranked sixth in the preseason poll, the sophomore club is proving that its ambitious project is built to last and capable of disrupting the established hierarchy.[1][4]

Dubai enters the 2026-27 EuroLeague campaign as the reigning ABA League champions, having stunned Partizan Belgrade to win the regional title in their inaugural season. Under the leadership of head coach Xavi Pascual, the UAE-based franchise has aggressively upgraded its roster to compete with Europe's elite.[4]

Playing out of the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai added defensive anchor Mamadi Diakite, offensive dynamo Elie Okobo, and veteran Tornike Shengelia over the summer. Their opening night clash against fourth-ranked Real Madrid on September 24 is already one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.[1][4]

The influx of capital, the return of iconic coaches, and the emergence of new markets like Dubai indicate a shifting paradigm in European basketball. As the October tip-off approaches, the gap between the traditional elite and the ambitious challengers has never been narrower.[1][2]