Wonderleague to Maintain 12-Club Format for 2026-27 Season
The Wonderleague women's basketball championship will retain its 12-club format for the 2026-27 season, despite persistent desires from club presidents to expand to 14 teams. This proposed expansion aimed to increase home game revenues, but the federation has ultimately rejected the initiative. Audrey Lacroix, President of Basket Landes, shed light on the federation's decision, citing concerns over the financial fragility of many clubs, the current insufficient structure of the second-tier Ligue 2, and the significant logistical challenges it would pose to the league calendar.
However, significant modifications are planned for the playoff structure. The league will revert to a best-of-three series format, mirroring the structure used in the finals. A notable change in this format is the hosting arrangement: the opening game of each series will be played at the home venue of the lower-ranked team, while subsequent games, including the decisive third match, will be hosted by the higher-ranked team. This innovative approach represents a reversal of conventional playoff hosting practices. Furthermore, the 2026-27 season is scheduled to extend until the end of May, a prolonged calendar that will inevitably lead to the absence of numerous WNBA players during the latter stages of the competition.
Explaining the rationale behind this new playoff format, Audrey Lacroix remarked, "Some were complaining that the home-and-away format wasn't fair because it didn't favor the higher-ranked teams in the championship. It must be recognized that this is true."
Fresh materials β Sports News
Lamine KΓ©bΓ© Faces Scrutiny After OrlΓ©ans' Heavy Loss to Blois
Following a crushing defeat against Blois, OrlΓ©ans coach Lamine KΓ©bΓ© admitted, "I've always been in danger. It's a coach's role. I don't control that; I focus on the team. If decisions are made... I hope not, but I don't control it." He described the game as a "non-performance" and a "lesson i
Euroleague Clubs Divided on Expansion
Euroleague clubs are experiencing internal divisions. While decisions were thought to be unanimous, at least two distinct viewpoints have emerged. One faction, reportedly including Real Madrid, Panathinaikos, ASVEL, and Fenerbahçe, holds different views from another group, which includes Barce
Olympiacos Continues to Strengthen
Olympiacos is determined to achieve a back-to-back championship. The Piraeus club, already a winner of the Euroleague and the national championship, has added another trophy to its collection by winning the Greek Super Cup. On Monday, the Athens management announced two new signings. Both
Germany Joins France in the Semifinals!
This time, Les Bleues didn't wait long! After a few days of anticipation to learn their quarter-final opponent, they now know who they will face for a chance at the final. The surprise opponent is Germany, who defeated Belgium this Thursday with a score of 74-93. This victory was all
Nikola Jokic Crowned Greatest ABA League Player of All Time
Over the past 25 years, the ABA League has seen 2,352 players grace its courts. Among them, Nikola Jokic has ascended to extraordinary heights, establishing himself as the preeminent basketball talent of his generation. After a remarkable two-season stint with Mega, where he secured both the M
Γquipes de France de Basketball 3x3 pour la Coupe d'Europe 2026
Les Γ©quipes nationales de basketball 3x3 de la France se prΓ©parent Γ participer Γ la Coupe d'Europe 2026 Γ Anvers. Γquipe FΓ©minine AprΓ¨s leur victoire lors des Women's Series Finals 2026 Γ Shanghai, les joueuses franΓ§aises, dirigΓ©es par FranΓ§ois Brisson, sont prΓͺtes Γ dΓ©fendre leur tit