EuroBasket 2025 Set to Thrill Fans with Exciting Matchups and New Hosts

EuroBasket 2025, the 42nd edition of the European Men's Basketball Championship organized by FIBA Europe, is set to commence on August 27, 2025, and will run through September 14. This year's tournament will be co-hosted by Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia, with each nation hosting group stage matches in their respective cities: Limassol, Tampere, Katowice, and Riga. The knockout phase, including the final, will take place in Riga.

The qualification process concluded in February 2025, resulting in 24 teams securing spots in the tournament. Notably, Cyprus will make its debut on the EuroBasket stage, while Portugal returns after a 14-year absence, having last participated in 2011. Sweden also marks its return, having last appeared in 2013. Conversely, traditional powerhouses Croatia and Ukraine failed to qualify, with Croatia missing out for the first time ever and Ukraine for the first time since 2009.

The tournament draw was held on March 27, 2025, in Riga. Each host nation selected a partner federation for commercial and marketing purposes, ensuring they were placed in the same group:

• Latvia chose Estonia.
• Finland chose Lithuania.
• Cyprus chose Greece.
• Poland chose Iceland.

The groups are as follows:

• Group A (Riga, Latvia): Latvia, Estonia, and four other teams.
• Group B (Tampere, Finland): Finland, Lithuania, and four other teams.
• Group C (Limassol, Cyprus): Cyprus, Greece, and four other teams.
• Group D (Katowice, Poland): Poland, Iceland, and four other teams.

As the tournament approaches, several teams are grappling with significant challenges:

• Spain: The team will be without forward Alberto Abalde, who sustained an adductor injury expected to sideline him for two to three weeks. Additionally, players such as Alberto Díaz, Darío Brizuela, Mario Saint-Supery, and Santi Aldama are managing minor injuries but are anticipated to recover in time for the tournament. Coach Sergio Scariolo faces the task of adjusting the roster accordingly.

• France: The French squad is dealing with notable absences in the center position, including Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Mathias Lessort, and Vincent Poirier. To address this, coach Frédéric Fauthoux has called up young talents like Alex Sarr and Mouhammadou Jaiteh. Despite these setbacks, France remains a formidable contender.

• Serbia: Vasilije Micic is recovering from an injury, raising concerns about his availability. The team is also without Alen Smailagic and Uros Trifunovic. Despite these challenges, Serbia is considered a strong contender, led by coach Svetislav Pesic.

• Slovenia: Luka Doncic experienced an injury scare during an exhibition game against Latvia but has been cleared to play. Doncic, who recently signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, is expected to be a key player for Slovenia.

According to betting odds, Serbia is the favorite to win the tournament, followed by Germany and France. Reigning champions Spain are considered underdogs with odds of 11.00.

EuroBasket 2025 marks a return to the traditional four-year cycle after the 2021 edition was postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament continues the trend of multi-country hosting, as seen in previous editions.

Weather conditions in the host cities during the tournament are expected to vary:

• Limassol, Cyprus: Warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 89°F (32°C) to 91°F (33°C).

• Tampere, Finland: Cooler temperatures, with highs around 60°F (16°C) and occasional showers.

• Katowice, Poland: Mild conditions, with temperatures between 66°F (19°C) and 78°F (26°C), and some rain expected.

• Riga, Latvia: Temperatures ranging from 62°F (17°C) to 70°F (21°C), with a mix of sun and showers.

As the tournament approaches, teams are finalizing their preparations, aiming to overcome challenges and vie for the coveted EuroBasket title.